Netizens say Harry Roque not in isolation but in Boracay diving

Netizens pointed out that Presidential spokesman Harry Roque was actually spotted diving in Boracay over the weekend after the Palace official announced that he was under isolation after his staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Dive shop DiveGurus Boracay on Saturday posted on its Facebook page photos and videos of Roque’s weekend vacation in the island resort, including a supposed diving activity at Friday’s Reff.

ADVERTISEMENT

Boracay Island News Network shared on Facebook that Roque was seen on the island on Saturday.

However, it was yet determined if Roque’s visit was for leisure or work.

Harry Roque has not issued a statement regarding his alleged vacation in Boracay.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, Filipino citizens criticized Roque and accused him of lying about being under isolation as part of the COVID-19 health protocol.

In July 2020, Roque said he did not violate any quarantine and health protocols when he visited a marine park in Subic, Zambales, amid pandemic after he received criticisms on social media.

The now-deleted photos of Roque with the dolphins on Ocean Adventure Facebook page circulated online and stirred controversies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Netizens say Harry Roque not in isolation but in Boracay diving

“Hindi po ako bumibisita doon, taga doon po ako… I’m trying to wrap up ‘yung mga negosyo ko noong wala pa ako sa gobyerno na hindi ko naman magawa noong sarado pa ang Bataan,” Roque said.

(I am from the area, looking after my business which I had before I joined government service, something I could not do when Bataan was still on lockdown.)

Harry Roque added he was the only visitor of the resort at the time and that it was the Subic’s first day of modified general community quarantine. He also reasoned that tourism is also allowed under MGCQ.

“Wala pong nalabag pero kung meron pong mga na-offend paumanhin po,” he said.

(No rules were violated, but I apologize to those who felt offended.)

“I can assure po dahil paulit-ulit naman nating sinasabi ang rules pero paumahin pa rin po kung hindi nagustuhan ang mga larawan.”

(I can assure you this since I have repeatedly been announcing rules, but still, I apologize if the people did not like the photos.)