He was just “unloading” from a hectic week, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said after drawing criticism online over a video showing him singing in a gathering on Friday night.
Roque said the public should just focus on more important matters, such as coming to the aid of those affected by Typhoon “Ulysses”.
Netizens earlier called out Roque over the video, which surfaced on Twitter amid the calamity wrought by “Ulysses” and urgent calls for help from Cagayan Valley residents awaiting rescue from the flood, many of them were trapped on their rooftops.
It showed Roque singing “Pare Ko” by the Eraserheads, with a live band playing.
In a statement on Saturday, Roque said: “Just when I thought I could unlade a little after a hectic week/s, my unremarkable singing as a means of unloading goes public and I get a beating.”
According to him, there are more important matters to attend to, such as providing assistance to the typhoon victims.
He said his family was doing its share in the relief effort.
“As I speak, my family and I are preparing/repacking 600 bags of rice for donation in Alcala, Cagayan (province), where my friend and previous law partner and his family resides,” he said.
“Let us unite, help, and be kind to our fellow Filipinos,” he added.