Roque 'taken aback' by Duterte's statement, but shoots ad for 2019 Senate bid nevertheless

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said he had shot a campaign ad for his possible 2019 Senate run over the weekend, despite a statement from President Rodrigo Duterte last week that he is unlikely to win.

At a press briefing, Roque said the video was planned and paid for "months ago."

“It was shot [over the weekend] because it has been paid for. I have paid for it months ago," he said.

"We've had plans, and whatever has happened in the last few days, it was a major deviation from our plan."

Roque said Duterte has been calling him "senator" for the past months, "virtually endorsing my bid for the Senate."

In a speech last week, Duterte said Roque, a former human rights lawyer, should not push through with his Senate bid as he is likely to lose, noting his unpopularity among soldiers.

Roque, however, said he has yet to decide whether to pursue his Senate bid or not since he is still talking it over with Duterte.

Taken aback

During the press briefing, Roque admitted he was "taken aback" by Duterte's statement.

"It was game changing, there was change in tone... I think we had an agreement I would be doing this (Senate bid) ahead of time. That is why I am discussing my future plans with the President," he said.

Roque said he doesn't think Duterte was serious with his statement. He also said he doesn't believe the military dislikes him.

"'Di ako naniniwalang galit sa akin ang sundalo. 'Di rin ako naniniwalang seryoso ang Presidente nung sinabi niya 'yun. He just wants me to take the job [of being the Press Secretary]," Roque said.

"I hope that I am not wrong on what the President said and how he said it," he added.

The filing of candidacy for the 2019 elections is scheduled from October 11 to 17. —KBK, GMA News