Roque denies arrogance behind ‘manigas kayo’ taunt

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. denied being arrogant for taunting President Rodrigo Duterte’s critics, claiming that what he said was a customary expression.

Roque was referring to his “manigas kayo” (stop dead in your tracks) comment which he directed at the President’s critics when he boasted about the planned Mega Manila Subway project during the arrival of the first cutter head for the boring machine for underground drilling.

He added that critics were just desperate to discredit the President despite the infrastructure programs and the Duterte Administration's initiatives that would ensure that the country would win against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lahat ng nakakakilala sa akin, that’s a usual expression that I have at wala pong kabastusan iyan. Sabi nga po ni Winona Ryder, reality bites,” Roque said in an interview over DZRH.

Roque also attempted to explain away his behavior by claiming that he had spoken out of frustration.

“Siguro ganoon na nga [na out of frustration] po, kasi napakadami namang accomplishment itong gobyernong ito and yet kung babasahin mo iyong mga kritiko ay parang walang matinong ginawa. So, I think marami rin pong nagsasang-ayon sa akin, ang karamihan na tahimik na hindi maingay alam ko naniniwala na mas mabuti ang ating pamumuhay sa ilalim po ni Presidente Duterte,” he added.

Senator Panfilo Lacson had criticized Roque over his statement, which the senator characterized as arrogant.

Roque, for his part, chose not to respond in kind but instead called Lacson his idol.

“Eh pagdating naman po kay Senator Lacson, idol ko po iyan, palagi ko pong binuboto iyan at hindi siya kasama doon sa dapat manigas, dahil matagal na pong matigas itong ating idol na si Senator Lacson,” Roque added. — DVM, GMA News