MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) sees nothing wrong with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s “side trip” to a marine-themed park in Subic, Zambales despite the existing quarantine rules amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a televised press briefing Friday, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Roque’s trip is authorized as he was permitted due to his “business interest” in Bataan where the Palace official owns an agricultural business.
He also noted that Subic is now under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) where tourist facilities are now allowed to operate in a limited capacity.
“Wala po kaming nakikitang problema doon sa ginawa ni spokesperson Harry Roque. Bakit po? Unang-una po yung lugar na ‘yun sa Subic, Zambales ngayon po ay under MGCQ na. At noong pumunta po si Spokesman Harry Roque doon it was MGCQ, ibig-sabihin pwede na mag-operate ang mga tourist facilities up to 50 percent,” Malaya said.
“Pangalawa, si Spokesman Harry Roque naman po ay isang APOR or authorized person outside of residence not only because may binisita siyang negosyo doon dahil meron siyang business interest but also because he’s a government official,” he added.
In photos posted by Ocean Adventure on Facebook, Roque was seen being in the water with park’s dolphins, while another photo showed him without a face mask while talking to two persons.
Although the post was immediately taken down, netizens were able to save copies of the photos and questioned Roque’s actions on social media.
Roque has already apologized for those he has offended but he assured that no quarantine rules were violated.