By Deighton Acuin and Archie Villaflores

PHOTO: Panay News

After receiving backlash for his “drop dead” remark, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Monday he was far from being insolent.

While he took a swipe at critics, Roque explained it was just a “usual expression” out of exasperation of unfair claims against the Duterte administration. 

“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 over DZRH.

Roque said the government made accomplishments, including the improvements on coronavirus pandemic response, and yet the critics ignored these gains and continued their criticisms.

“Kung babasahin mo iyong mga kritiko ay parang walang matinong ginawa,” he said.

“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,” Roque added.

Roque slammed the “usual suspects” for criticizing Duterte regardless of his actions.

“Iyon po iyong konteksto ng sinabi ko, dahil wala na talaga tayong magagawa, lalo na panahon ng eleksiyon na lalong umiinit,” he said.

During the unveiling of one of the Tunnel Boring Machines to be used for Metro Manila Subway project on Friday, Roque told critics to drop dead as he boasted the Chief Executive’s accomplishments during the “renaissance of infrastructure.” He also took pride of Duterte’s actions “for beating the pandemic.”

However, Roque’s remarks did not sit well for Senator Panfilo Lacson, saying his “Manigas kayong lahat!” pronouncement only showed ignorance and arrogance.

The Palace official tried to assure Lacson that he has nothing but respect for him.

“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 said.


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