After Filipino-American members of the Bayan-USA and US-based human rights groups protested his nomination to the UN International Law Commission (ILC) in New York City, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said he has “found resolve” to run for Senate in next year’s national elections.
Roque said he’d like to prevent the “extremist groups” allies from getting elected in an ABS CBN News Channel interview.
“When I found out what the extremist groups did, I found a resolve to actually run. Why? Because I don’t want to see their allies elected to office,” he said
He argued that he couldn’t be labeled a “war criminal” because he had advocated for human rights.
“I felt, enough is enough. I’m not going to be bullied by these people, and if I have to, I will stand for the elections to prove that the people support me,” he added.
However, netizens do not see him winning, highlighting that even the supporters of the Duterte administration do not like him.
Hahahahaha . Asa ka pa eh universally hated ka. Kahit DDS nasusuka sa muka mo. Sino magtitiwala sa isang taong ipinagpalit ang prinsipyo para sa isang Presidenteng kinamumuhian mo noon.
— NetFelix (@iAmDesertD) November 4, 2021
Good! You're obviously banking on the popularity of Dutz, but recent survey says his rating took a NOSEdive (pun intended)! Have u ever asked urself if u are as popular as Dutz to his supporters? Good question, right? You'll know the answer 7months from now.
— Milo del Sol (@MilodelMilo) November 4, 2021
It seems like Roque has nowhere to go.
Harry Roque can no longer:
• Return to UP to teach
• Have a seat in the ILC
• Be a Pres Spox unless Isko wins (similar Duterte mouth)Therefore, he must run to avoid unemployment.
Teka, nag-file ba yan ng COC o may secret placeholder din? 🤔
Damn, the drama. 😁
— Suckrates (@FluidMechanic_) November 4, 2021
Patawa si Harry, you wanted a graceful exit by being in ILC, because you know that your career is over. Since, nabuko ka at napahiya, hahabol ka ngayon para mag substitute sa mga planted nyong kandidato. Good move, pasensyahan tayo pag nabato ka ng kamatis.
— MIGO (@rafajoshie) November 4, 2021
It seems paghihiganti ang motivation mo para tumakbo. So, wala palang unity na makukuha sayo. You're not a public servant kung personal pleasure ang hangad mo.
— Dennis Uy (@DennisUy12) November 4, 2021
Delusional amp… @attyharryroque sinusuka ka na ng kapwa mo pinoy. Nakakahiya ka, sa NY ka pa nagkalat. Bakit maraming nagpoprotesta sa nomination mo? Kasi hindi mo deserve. You seriously think the people still supports you? That's so 2016.
— TiyangMo (@tiyang_mo) November 4, 2021
Roque is also known as a bully. He recently exploded on health workers and is known to brush off media personnel.
Wow pa-victim si BIG BULLY ROQUE. Kala mo we forgot you bullied this country’s health workers sa gitna ng pandemya!https://t.co/7ABqOPWnWRhttps://t.co/X8VpMH17V9
— MrsHan (@MoxieLi) November 4, 2021
His decision to seek a seat in the Senate depends on President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Roque previously said he’d only for senator if Duterte-Carpio decided to succeed her father.
But Duterte-Carpio has made it clear that she’d rather be mayor of Davao City once more.
The People’s Reform Party (PRP) would be more than happy to include Roque in its senatorial slate.