Presidential spokesman Harry Roque has apologized to President Duterte for erroneously declaring he was in "perpetual isolation" to prevent coronavirus infection.
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Before ending his televised briefing Monday, Roque admitted that he uttered the wrong words to describe how the President is heavily guarded by the Presidential Security Group (PSG) amid the pandemic.
The public apology was issued by the Palace official a week after making the controversial statement that sparked rumors about Duterte's health.
“Bagamat makikita ko si Presidente mamaya, baka wala akong pagkakataon (Although I will see the President later but I may not get a chance), I'd like to publicly apologize to the President for past mistakes last Monday lalong-lalo na doon sa sinabi ko na 'perpetual isolation,’” Roque said.
"Wrong choice of words po pero what I meant only was the Presidential Security Group has been (doing) a good job at ensuring that there is social distancing between anyone who wants to talk to the President. Pasensya po (My apologies)," he added.
On August 17, Roque said the President remained "in perpetual isolation" and continued to take regular coronavirus tests as a precaution against the disease. He explained that a "velvet rope" keeps Duterte at least six feet away from other people, even after undergoing testing protocols prior to meeting the President.
"He’s in perpetual isolation, in the sense that the PSG has done a very good job in making sure that no one really comes close to the President,” Roque said. He made the comment when asked about the President went on self-isolation after Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año became infected anew with the coronavirus.
When his description of Duterte "in perpetual isolation" triggered speculations about the President's health, Roque was forced to clarify that his remark was just "a figure of speech.” He explained that he simply meant that nobody could go near the President due to the security protocols implemented by the PSG. He maintained that the President remains healthy and strong.