Roque: I am “without means to pursue a Senate bid”

(Eagle News) — Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he was “without means to pursue a Senate bid.”

“So while OK, I am thankful, I reiterate that my priority is to be the the best spokesman that I can be for the president,” Roque said in a statement issued after Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez announced he would run for senator in 2019 and was included in the PDP-Laban’s slate.

Alvarez said apart from Roque, also included were Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino, Rep. Geraldine Roman, Rep. Albie Benitez and Rep. Karlo Nograles.

Uson, however, already said she had no plans to run for the Senate as of the moment.

According to Roque, he was, however, “very thankful for the confidence shown” by the Speaker, “cherish the encouragement” and was “humbled by the endorsement.”

“I am however focused on my new job as the President’s spokesperson and my priority right now is to do my absolute best in communicating the message of the President to our people,” he reiterated.