President Duterte on Harry Roque: “At once upon a time he was a critic sa akin sa extrajudicial killing…”
PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE — The President recently admitted that he once threatened senatorial candidate Harry Roque over EJK comments.
The President endorsed Roque and other senatorial candidates for the 2022 elections as he delivered his speech during the PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally in Cainta, Rizal.
Other candidates he endorsed were Rey Langit, Greco Belgica, Astra Pimentel, Robin Padilla, Salvador Panelo, Loren Legarda, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., and Jinggoy Estrada.
In his speech, the President said that he once threatened to kill Roque, who used to be a human rights defender, if he would continue speaking against the government’s war against drugs.
The President, who described the former Palace spokesman as “bright”, said that the latter responded to him and said that he was just telling the truth. But eventually, he added that Roque “understood” him and he became his spokesperson in Malacañang.
“At once upon a time he was a critic sa akin sa extrajudicial killing. Sige siya daldal ganoon masama, ganoon-ganoon. Tapos noong nakita ko siya, sabi ko, ‘Roque, kung hindi ka maghinto diyan sa daldal mo ng extrajudicial killing, p***** i** papatayin kita. L****. Uunahin kita.’” the President said. “Iyon ang ano. Naintindihan niya ako, naging spokesman niya ako at ayan, brilliant.“
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As a human rights lawyer, Roque includes as part of his advocacies seeking justice for slain transgender woman Jennifer Laude and justice for the victims of the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.
Roque’s critics earlier slammed him for sacrificing his role as a lawyer for his loyalty to President Duterte who is linked to the killings that resulted from his drug war.
The former Palace spokesman drew flak for making statements that went against what he had been fighting for.
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