Roque takes over podium

based environmental advocate and journalist Gerry Ortega who -

It was not clear why Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella, an evangelical pastor, was replaced and if he would be given another post in government.

first reported that Abella would soon be replaced by Roque as Duterte’s spokesman.

Tordesillas said Duterte was unhappy with how Abella handled the media on the latest Social Weather Stations survey results that showed a double-digit decline in his satisfaction and trust ratings as well as Duterte’s order to expel the ambassadors of European countries, which was later taken back.

Roque’s appointment papers have yet to be released. He will be the President’s delegation and as a lawmaker.

working visit from October 29 to discuss critical issues, including tensions at the Korean peninsula.

- tant, said earlier that her boss had yet to leave his post, amid rumors of his replacement.

“As of this moment, he is still Presidential spokesperson and since he is in town, we may… you may hear from him next week. He town. If he doesn’t push through with the trip, he may still give

appointed Abella as one of his “designated spokespersons,” along lawyer Salvador Panelo.

A few days later, Panelo was named as the President’s chief legal counsel and Abella took on the role of being Duterte’s sole mouthpiece.

Human rights to be tackled

Roque on Saturday said he accepted the position to be able to address human rights issues surrounding the Duterte government.

“After much deliberation and careful consideration, I have decided to accept the President’s offer to be his spokesperson, as was announced by the President himself [Friday] night,” Roque said in a statement.

“I considered the position with audience with the President to address key human rights issues in the Philippines. As a member of Congress, my voice is limited. Politicians who relentlessly criticize the administration are simply ignored and labeled as ‘destabilizers.’ By taking this position, I hope to be able to advise the President directly regarding the manner and methods he has used to tackle the problem of drugs. I have already expressed my willingness to serve as an adviser on the matter,” he said.

“I must also stress that my position on human rights has not the protection and preservation of fundamental human rights of legislation demonstrates this. In particular, I have lobbied for universal health care, the protection of internally displaced persons, and the rights of journalists from extralegal violence, and I look forward to these bills being enacted into law,” he said in the same statement.

“By accepting this position, I am not condoning the violence surrounding the government’s anti- drug campaign, nor do I intend to further the same. Regardless of whether I am a member of Congress or of the President’s Cabinet, I continue to value the right to life and dignity of every person and do not support the arbitrary killing of any person by the State,” Roque said.