No violation in trip to Subic resort, Roque says

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. on Thursday apologized for visiting a resort in Subic, Zambales where he was photographed swimming with dolphins even amid the quarantine status in Metro Manila.

At a televised briefing, Roque said he just took an opportunity to have a break, noting that he has been working seven days a week.

“Iyong mga iba diyan na na-offend, paumanhin po, tao lang po. Kung tatanungin niyo ang Malacañang Press Corps, ang trabaho ko, walang Sabado o Linggo. Kung may break, isisingit mo. To those I offended, I sincerely apologize. Hayaan niyo, hindi na po mauulit,” Roque said.

Roque was responding to the flak he got for his leisure activity while the government has been constantly reminding the public to stay home pending vaccine on COVID-19.

President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesperson also said he did not violate any quarantine protocol.

“First time po kasi na MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) na ang area, at even under GCQ (general community quarantine), swimming is allowed because it is a non-contact sport. Walang nalabag na social distancing, ang katabi ko naman ay dolphin, hindi tao,” he said.

Roque said that he only visited Bataan to check on his former business ventures, including hog raising, which he said have gone bankrupt due to COVID-19.

"It was a side trip," Roque said, referring to his visit to the Subic resort.

Under MGCQ protocols, tourist destinations and other leisurely activities are allowed but only at a 50% capacity.  --KBK, GMA News