Roque denies knowledge of Hidilyn Diaz's inclusion in oust-Duterte matrix

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday denied knowledge of an old matrix showing Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz as among those allegedly plotting to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Di ko alam ang sinasabi niyong matrix kasi sa tanggapan ko po, at iisa lang po ang opisyal na spokesperson ng gobyerno, ako lang po iyon, eh wala po kaming ganyan," Roque said in his regular press briefing.

(I've no knowledge about that matrix you're talking about because that didn't come from my office.)

Asked if an apology is in the offing, Roque said, "Wala po, as spokesperson wala po akong binintang kay Hidilyn Diaz [As spokesperson I didn't accuse Hidilyn Diaz of anything]."

It was presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, during his stint as presidential spokesperson in 2019, who disclosed of the existence of the matrix.

Roque resigned as presidential spokesperson in October 2018 to seek a Senate seat in the following year's elections. Panelo took over the post, which he held until it was given back to Roque in April 2020.

Panelo ultimately cleared Diaz in the supposed oust-Duterte plot and blamed the media for "faulty analysis."

He issued the clarification after Diaz, as well as athlete-turned-television host Gretchen Ho, who was likewise linked to the plot, questioned their inclusion in the matrix.

On Tuesday, Panelo joined the number of government officials congratulating Diaz for her feat.

"Her feat makes us Filipinos proud. Her getting the gold is a testament to the Filipino race’s talent and indefatigable spirit," Panelo said in a statement.

"It serves as an inspiration to all Filipino athletes that getting gold in the Olympics is no longer a dream but a reality. Congratulations, Hidilyn Diaz," he added.

Likewise, Panelo claimed that he did not link Diaz to the ouster plot, saying he merely mentioned that a certain Rodel Jayme was following Diaz on the Olympian’s social media accounts.

Jayme was connected to the uploading of the video titled Ang Totoong Narco List which links President Rodrigo Duterte and his family to illegal drug trade.

“It is truly disheartening that there are people who seek to take the limelight out of Ms. Diaz's recent triumph and convert it into a political skirmish of who should and should not celebrate our country's win,” Panelo said in a separate statement.

“As for me, I can only admire Ms. Diaz and sincerely congratulate her who, together with our other athletes in Tokyo, continue to make us proud,” Panelo added.--KBK, GMA News