'Be very gentle,' Roque asks media in first briefing

MANILA, Philippines — New presidential spokesman Harry Roque assured members of the media that he would welcome opposing and conflicting views as he assumes a Cabinet post.

On Thursday, Roque held his very first media briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC).

"For today, I ask all of you plese be very gentle," Roque told the MPC.

Roque will be leading a separate Office of the Presidential Spokesperson but clarified that he will be working very closely with Secretary Martin Andanar and the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

The new presidential spokesperson also confirmed that he will be holding an adviser position aside from being President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman.

Duterte, however, is yet to release the official appointment papers of Roque.

"I assume this obligation cognizant of the free marketplace of ideas and I assume this obligation recognizing that the people do have a right to information and matters that affect them," Roque told the MPC.

When asked about his comment that he would "throw hollow blocks" against Duterte's critics, Roque clarified that he was only addressing the social media followers of PCOO Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson.

READ: Roque to Duterte critics: If you throw stones, I'll throw hollow blocks

"You can take it literally or figuratively but what I meant was since I believe in the free marketplace of ideas, stones hurled are welcome but expect to have bigger stones thrown back at you," Roque said.

He added that what his statement meant was that he has the "back of the president covered."

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