Roque denies using position for senatorial bid

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. ( YANCY LIM/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA — Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday denied claims that he is using his current position to campaign for senator in the 2019 mid-term elections.

Critics claimed Roque was holding press conferences in different parts of the country to campaign early, the latest of which was held in Zamboanga del Norte on Saturday.

Roque was mum on whether he indeed had plans to run as senator and instead chose to clarify who was paying for his trips.

He said that Cebu governor and now Cebu (3rd District) Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia shouldered his trip expenses.

“I think the issue is, who paid for the funds? I’ll answer that. Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia. As in fact, all the funds are in Cebu. I want her to send a lot more funds here. It’s too expensive,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Roque, a former congressman himself, earlier said that he considers Garcia as his “best friend forever.”

He, however, said that Garcia did not shoulder funds completely so he still had to pay for other expenses himself.

“The only funds she gave, she didn’t pay for transportation in Manila. So, I’ll make a suggestion: Can you also pay for transporting the funds to Manila?” Roque quipped.

Roque saw no problem with holding press conferences nationwide, noting that regional reporters were “appreciative” of this effort.

“I do know that journalists all over the country seem to be very appreciative,” Roque said.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez first floated the idea of Roque seeking a senatorial seat under the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan last year.

Roque earlier thanked Alvarez for the endorsement but said that he was currently focused on being Presidential Spokesperson.

“I cherish the encouragement and (I am) humbled by the endorsement. I am, however, focused on my new job as the President’s spokesperson and my priority right now is to do my absolute best in communicating the message of the President to our people,” Roque said.

He also said he does not have funds to pursue a Senate bid.