On Thursday, February 4, Harry Roque exhibited being haughty over the President’s critics. The public’s attention was focused on the Presidential Spox when he graced an occasion as a guest speaker.
Roque spoke during the arrival of the cutter head–the attachment needed for the tunnel boring machines. It will help realize the first-ever Philippines’ subway.
In his speech, Roque claimed that the people would remember the President for the renaissance of infrastructure. He added that Duterte is beating COVID-19. Lastly, the social legislation he shepherded.
The spokesperson also slammed Duterte’s critics during his talk.
“As we know the President has many critics and they will not stop until they regain power… Let today’s event be recorded in the annals of Philippine history as another first of the Duterte administration.
“And to his critics, I have only this to say: Manigas kayong lahat.”
Celebrities and Netizens reacted to Roque’s arrogant words toward the President’s critics as if they are not taxpayers.
Comedian John Lapus got furious regarding Roque’s statement. On his Twitter, he insulted the Spokesperson for his exaggeration of the achievements of the government.
Poke mo! 🖕 https://t.co/usTgpbjXxj
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) February 5, 2021
Following his tweet, a Netizen asked him if Roque, hypothetically, tell ‘Manigas ka’ in his face, the comedian replied with a GIF slapping a person.
Ayan! https://t.co/0ozjIFUC3m pic.twitter.com/vW1QVZQxYe
— John Lapus (@KorekKaJohn) February 5, 2021
ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Karen Davila also gave her reaction toward the behavior of the government official. On her Twitter, she wrote that what Roque muttered was unnecessary and uncalled for.
This is so unnecessary and uncalled for. A little humility and magnanimity from public servants won’t hurt. https://t.co/nm3Pi1iwM4
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) February 5, 2021
Former PTV4 host Jules Guiang shared his reaction to the supposed threat of Roque. He shared an image of Kris Aquino being clueless.
Roque to critics: “Manigas kayong lahat.”
Critics: pic.twitter.com/O0JQHjNBXr
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) February 5, 2021
In another tweet, Guiang was disgusted by how casual politicians talk about their political plans on a government project launch.
Kadiri kayo. Yes you're doing your jobs but it's disgusting that it's normal to you guys to talk about your political plans during a launch of a government project. Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/vWD4kne6OC
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) February 5, 2021
For twitter personality, Miss Krizzy, she described Roque’s words as all lies.
https://twitter.com/krizzy_kalerqui/status/1357580814653902850
Former Survivor Philippines’ host Kiko Rustia did not believe a word that Roque said. For him, the Spokesperson doesn’t have any credibility. The TV host also said that Roque should enjoy his position while it lasts since Filipinos do not forget.
Wala ka nang kahit na anong kredebilidad… sige lang habang meron ka pang nakakapitan, kasi dadating ang panahon na mawawala yang amo mo sa kapangyarihan, at sa kangkungan ka na lang matatagpuan.
Di nakaka limot ang taumbayan.. lalo na yang iyong kayabangan
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) February 5, 2021
Pia Magalona on twitter said that the Duterte government, who as public servants, are subject to criticisms, really gets personal with their critics. Moreover, Magalona said that Roque thinks that he owns the Philippines after saying ‘manigas kayo.’
You can tell that everything’s really on a personal level with these dingbats. 🙄
Feeling may-ari ng Pinas si @attyharryroque eww. https://t.co/nyRZuFUxSZ
— Pia Magalona ⁷ (@piamagalona) February 5, 2021
Twitter personality Ma’am Syj found Roque cute when he tried to sound like Pres. Duterte.
Channeling a little Digong. Akala cute siya. Spox, like APC, nobody likes you . https://t.co/OuXz9BVCPR
— Ma'amSyj🇵🇭 (@MaamSyj) February 5, 2021
Former Health adviser Tony Leachon made a medical diagnose on Roque. He observed that the spokesperson is showing signs of his lack of self-esteem. Thus, he needs to make others miserable to be able to feel good.
When we see people acting in an abusive, arrogant, or demeaning manner toward others, their behavior almost always is a symptom of their lack of self-esteem. They need to put someone else down to feel good about themselves. https://t.co/iPvYDjq4bB
— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) February 5, 2021
Roque not being a good example of an ideal public official.
With the recent banter of Roque, some Netizens couldn’t help but compare him to Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto, who said that the Filipino people do not owe the government for serving them since it is the people’s money.
Netizen @pauloMDtweets tweeted the difference of Roque and Sotto as public officials. He also let Filipinos be the judge who is the better public official.
Kayo na bahala humusga mga kababayan. pic.twitter.com/FYtEZehWRS
— @pauloinmanila and 99 others (@pauloMDtweets) February 5, 2021
Even actor Enchong Dee shared the difference between the two.
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) February 5, 2021
Government officials such as Roque need not attack the government’s critics. It only showed how unprofessional he is as a public servant.
Moreover, the critics, whom he hated. He also made contributions to the country as taxpayers. Hence, he cannot look down on the critics because they are critical to how the government could be better. Also, Roque was a heavy critic of Pres. Duterte during his human rights lawyer days. However, the spokesperson, being two-faced, now a turn-coat.
