He has been getting a lot of heat for his "drop dead” statement but Presidential spokesman Harry Roque explained that he was far from being insolent.
When he recently sniped at critics, Roque explained that it was just a "usual expression" out of exasperation of the unfair criticisms towards the administration. The President's spokesman is disappointed that critics supposedly do nothing but find fault in the administration despite its achievements.
"Lahat ng nakakakilala sa akin, that’s a usual expression that I have at wala pong kabastusan iyan (To all those who know me, that's a usual expression that I have and there is no disrespect there). Sabi nga po ni Winona Ryder, 'Reality bites," " Roque said over DZRH Monday, Feb. 8.
Roque said the Duterte government has made many accomplishments, particularly in improving the plight of Filipinos, and yet critics have ignored these gains and continued their attacks.
"Kung babasahin mo iyong mga kritiko ay parang walang matinong ginawa (If you read the criticisms, it's as if the government has nothing good)," 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 (So I think that many will agree with me, the silent majority believe that our lives are better under the watch of President Duterte)," he said.
Roque slammed the "usual suspects” for supposedly constantly criticizing the President regardless of his action.
"Iyon po iyong konteksto ng sinabi ko, dahil wala na talaga tayong magagawa, lalo na panahon ng eleksiyon na lalong umiinit (This the context of what I said because we really can't do anything about especially since the election season is heating up)," he said.
Addressing an event to mark the Metro Manila subway project last Friday, Feb. 5, Roque told critics to drop dead as he boasted the President's accomplishments particularly the "renaissance of infrastructure." He also took pride of the President's efforts "for beating COVID-19."
Senator Panfilo Lacson is among those who were not pleased with Roque's latest controversial quip. The lawmaker commented that the "Manigas kayong lahat" comment showed arrogance and ignorance.
Roque 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 (When it comes to Senator Lacon, he is my idol. I always vote for him and he is not among those who should drop dead because my idol has long been strong)," he said.