Roque shrugs off criticisms on working for Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque has brushed aside criticisms against his decision to work for President Duterte, who has been accused by various groups of endorsing human rights violations and curtailing press freedom.

Roque, who has drawn flak for defending the policies of Duterte, said his efforts to promote and protect human rights could not be undone by his stint at Malacañang.

“I don’t care if they don’t like me because I am secure and confident about what I did... They could hate me for what I did, I couldn’t care less because my record speaks for itself,” Roque on Wednesday told “The Chiefs” on One News/TV5.
“I am not bothered. I don’t have any insecurities. I don’t have to be liked by people. I know what I did and I am confident I made a difference in the promotion and protection of human rights,” he added.

Roque cited his role in securing a ruling from the United Nations Human Rights Committee that criminal libel is contrary to freedom of expression, as well the conviction of the Ampatuans over the Maguindanao massacre and the passage of the universal health care law.

“As far as my personal positions are concerned, I was very clear but people simply could not comprehend that as presidential spokesperson, you are supposed to speak only for the president and ignore your personal opinions,” he added.

Asked to talk about his stint as presidential spokesman, Roque replied: “I guess, the highest point is everyone knows me. The lowest point is not everyone likes me. Those who dislike the President dislike me even more.

“As a presidential spokesperson, I really could not ventilate my personal opinions. But on issues, I have legislative records to speak for itself,” he added.

The Duterte administration had nominated Roque to a seat in the International Law Commission but various institutions and civil society groups opposed his nomination, accusing him of defending human rights violations under the President. The former Palace spokesman failed to win a seat in the body, securing only 87 votes, the lowest among nominees from the Asia Pacific region.

On Monday, Roque resigned as presidential spokesman to run for senator under the People’s Reform Party founded by the late senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.