Roque: I was assured of direct line to Duterte

Incoming presidential spokesperson and Kabayan party-list Representative Harry Roque on Wednesday said he was assured of direct access to President Rodrigo Duterte.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Roque said he would need to talk to Duterte to clarify his position on certain issues. 

“I was assured that I would have a direct line [to Duterte], except that he doesn’t really carry his cellphone,” he said.

"They assured me that I will have some access when Secretary Go is not with him. It’s really important. Otherwise, it’s useless. I can’t be a spokesperson without knowing on very controversial issues what his position is," he added.

He was referring to Special Assistant to the President Sec. Christopher "Bong" Go.

Roque said his position as presidential spokesperson with the rank of a secretary would give him the "license" Cabinet officials and other sources to check the facts.

Outgoing presidential spokesperson Undersecretary Ernesto Abella once said that Duterte was not his source, but his principal.

Meanwhile, Roque said he really understood the President's language perhaps because of his legal background.

"I know what he's saying even if the words don't correspond to his thought. I know the drift," he said.

Concurrent position?

Roque also hinted that he would have another position in President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet.

“There’s something that Secretary Bong Go and I discussed which he agreed to, it would be announced in due course,” he said.

Roque made the remark on how he could discuss human rights issues with Duterte if he is only a presidential spokesperson. But he did not elaborate.

“It’s really up to the President to announce,” he said.

Asked if he will have a concurrent position, Roque just replied: “See, if I answer that, you already know the answer.”

“It’s an agreement and I hope the President will announce it,” he added.

Malacañang has yet to release Roque’s appointment paper.

Resignation, first briefing

Roque, meanwhile, said he has yet to resign from the House of Representatives, because Congress would resume sessions on November 20. He said he would use the next days to “have a feel” of the functions of being a presidential spokesperson. 

“I’m not resigning yet upon the advise also of a colleague in Congress. This is Congressman Rodito Albano,” he said, pointing out he has yet to find out if his position should be approved first by the Commission on Appointments.

Roque also announced that he would have his first briefing in Malacañang on Thursday.

“[I’m] excited but also a bit intimidated by the Malacañang Press Corps. Sabi ko nga sa House Press Corps, puwede bang lumipat kayo muna sa sa Malacañang kahit for one day,” he said. — Trisha Macas/RSJ, GMA News