Roque claims no violation of health rules during recent out-of-town events
By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
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| PHOTO: Philippine Daily Inquirer |
MANILA, Philippines — Despite now being COVID-19 positive, Palace spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday maintained that he follows all the prescribed health protocols during his recent out-of-town activities and President Rodrigo Duterte in his events.
According to Roque, he complied with all health protocols like undergoing reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests prior to attending events on the government’s vaccination program in Cebu, Davao, and Ilocos Norte.
His explanation comes after Senator Panfilo Lacson said Roque and Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas should be sanctioned if an investigation shows a supposed violation of protocols being enforced to stem the spread of COVID-19.
“Eh sa akin po, kung may parusa po, sige po pero wala po akong linabag,” Roque insisted.
“Lahat po ‘yan ay para sa rollout ng vaccination program natin at sumunod po tayo sa lahat ng health protocols. Meron po tayong PCR test at dumaan po tayo sa triage sa lahat ng lugar na pinaggalingan natin,” he also said.
He asserted that he is willing to get punished when proved of violation after due process.
“So kung meron pong paglabag, dapat meron pong parusa; pero kung wala pong paglabag, syempre walang parusa,” he added.
Last year, Roque was severely censured on social media for attending an event in Bantayan Island, Cebu and delivering a speech before a crowd that allegedly did not observe physical distancing. He has since assured that following protocols in an event is already a “lesson learned.”
He also previously received criticism for visiting Subic Bay despite existing COVID-19 restrictions but maintained no protocols were violated.
RELATED ARTICLE: Philippine Daily Inquirer