‘We have similarities’: Roque vows to continue Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s legacy
MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Wednesday said that if elected as senator next year, he would continue the legacy of late Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Roque was among the Cabinet members who left to run for public office in 2019 midterm polls.
At a press conference after filing his certificate of candidacy, Roque, who will run under Santiago’s People’s Reform Party, said he and “Asia’s Iron Lady” have a lot of similarities.
“Ang aking babala yung mga corrupt, mga bobo, yung mga tiwali sa gobyerno—mumultuhin na po kayo ni Miriam Defensor-Santiago sa pagkatao ni Harry Roque,” he said.
Santiago, who had served all three branches of government, passed away on Sept. 29, 2016, after a short battle with lung cancer.
The feisty female lawmaker ran for president in 2016 but lost to Rodrigo Duterte, Roque’s former boss.
Meanwhile, many raised their eyebrows when Roque, a well-known human rights lawyer, agreed to become the new spokesperson to Duterte, who has been accused of human rights violations and of committing crimes against humanity.
Roque seeks Duterte endorsement
At the same media interview on Wednesday, Roque said he hopes Duterte would endorse him for senator, adding that he would continue to defend the president.
Harry Roque delivers his opening statement. Roque says he and late senator Miriam Defensor Santiago have some similarities. “Yung mga kurap, mga bobo mumultuhin kayo ni Sen. Miriam Santiago sa katauhan ni Harry Roque.” @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/MAfnXEPw3V
— Ian Nicolas Cigaral (@ipcigaral) October 17, 2018
“I did not give up my principles... by serving the president I serve the people of this country and to those who say the president is against human rights, think again,” Roque said.
“I would wish that the president endorse me. Until now I think he’s the best president under existing conditions and of course I will continue to defend the president kahit ano pong mangyari even if I have ceased to speak for him,” he added. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral
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