Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said it was encouraging that foreign media, particularly Thailand, have taken notice of the Philippines's "Mask, Hugas, Iwas" campaign against COVID-19 despite being referred to as an unknown "round and Asian" guy.

Roque made the statement after the Thai Enquirer used a moving image--commonly known as a gif--of his in their tweet, reminding everyone to wash their hands, wear face masks, practice physical distancing, and listen to the government.

However, in their succeeding tweets, the Thai Enquirer said they do not know who Roque was and that they randomly picked him because of his attributes.

"We have no idea who this person is. We used the gif because he’s round and Asian!!" the Thai Enquirer said.

In a statement, Roque preferred to not take it personally and claimed it as a win for the Philippine government.

"It is encouraging that foreign media, particularly Thai Enquirer, has taken notice of The Philippine government’s Minimum Public Health Standards Advocacy Campaign," he said.

"Indeed, COVID-19 knows no borders, as the Thai news website succinctly puts it, 'We’re all in this together,'" he added.

According to Roque, the Thai Enquirer citing the Philippines in its tweet is proof that the government's campaign against COVID-19 is effective.

"The fact that the Philippine government’s advocacy campaign has caught international attention underscores how effective our message is in conveying that we must adhere to such health standards aimed at saving lives and protecting the communities," he said.

Roque repeatedly articulates the government's "Mask, Hugas, Iwas" battlecry in every press briefing with the slogan prominently display on the podium.

The Palace official, meanwhile, reminded everyone to keep on following health protocols, especially during the holidays.

"Let everyone be reminded therefore that in this holiday season, we should continue to wear face masks/face shields, wash our hands, and maintain a physical distance to have a safe and healthy 2021," Roque said.

The Thai Enquirer's tweet quickly went viral with a lot of Filipinos online pointing out to the foreign news media organization how Roque supposedly violated quarantine restrictions thrice--first when he took a trip to a resort in Subic where he has a picture with dolphins in July, second during a karaoke session and third during his visit to Bantayan Island in Cebu both in November.

In a press briefing last month, Roque assured the public that he learned his lesson from the Bantayan event, saying he had scolded members of the audience for failing to follow the protocol on physical distancing.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., meanwhile, immediately came to Roque's defense, saying the latter was an icon who is doing a good job.

"Inggit lang sila (They're just envious). You are the only international or at least regional icon among Filipinos. Good job," he said.