Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said he followed quarantine protocols when he graced the opening of the airport of Bantayan Island, Cebu Friday.
Roque made the statement after photos of Roque speaking before a huge crowd that totally disregarded physical distancing went viral.
In a statement, Roque even if there were many people in the event, he did not violate any quarantine protocol.
"The activity where I was seen speaking before a crowd was organized by the local government, which I had no control as a guest," he said.
"As a precautionary measure, I observed physical distancing and reminded those who were present to observe the minimum health standards. Also, I did not shake hands and I wore a face mask," he added.
According to Roque, he was actually surprised to see that a lot of people came to the event.
"I was totally taken aback by the huge crowd that came when I went to Cebu to grace the official opening of the Bantayan Island Airport," he said.
Roque acknowledged that physical distancing was not observed during the event but said he reminded the audience to keep their face masks on.
"The venue was open air as it was held by the beach but I had to reiterate for the audience to keep on their masks," he said.
The Palace official said that even the local government did not expect the crowd turnout for the event.
"I was later informed, that the local official/s mentioned in interview/s that they did not expect the huge turnout of people as well," Roque said.
"Be that as it may, they advised the public to wear face masks and there was general compliance, as seen in the pictures that came out," he added.
Despite this, Roque encouraged the public to continue protecting themselves so they can work while the country reopens the economy.
"As the economy gradually reopens, let us continue to take good care of our health so we can work for our families and help the country," he said.
This was not the first time this month that Filipinos online slammed Roque for supposedly violating the quarantine. He was first criticized when he was videotaped in a karaoke session while parts of the country were experiencing the effects of the recent typhoons.