FILE PHOTO: Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque holds an online press briefing while on self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Screengrab from RTVM
MANILA, Philippines — Health concerns continue to hound presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s plans for the 2022 national elections, saying he does not want to experience the same “heartbreak” he had when he withdrew from the Senate race in 2019.
“My biggest worry is my health. Because the last time I filed, I had health issues and I had to withdraw,” Roque said Wednesday in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel.
“So I really need to have a serious talk with my doctors and an honest to goodness assessment if I’m apt for it because I don’t want the same kind of heartbreak, literally and figuratively, that I experienced in 2019,” he added.
Roque withdrew from the May 2019 senatorial race due to a heart condition, which he called as one of the “saddest decisions” he made in life.
The Palace official admitted to thinking about running for senator, though he considers budget issues as a concern.
He also declared he will run in the 2022 polls should Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio decide to seek the presidency.