Senate run for Roque after all?

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. shares his remarks to President Rodrigo Duterte during a meeting. PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — It looks like presidential spokesperson Harry Roque may have a plan B for his possible Senate run.

The People’s Reform Party (PRP) announced on Friday that he was expected to be part of its senatorial slate for next year’s elections, but Roque on Saturday said he was still undecided and would like to first talk with President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte about this.

Roque said he only learned about the PRP statement, which was made by its vice president, Rey David, from the media.

PRP, which was founded in 1991 by the late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, said Roque would become a candidate through substitution but did not say who he would replace.

“No decision yet,” Roque said in a text message. “I’m honored, but I have to confer with [President Duterte] and Mayor Sara.”

Subbing for whom?

He said he had “no idea” as well who he would substitute for should he run for senator.

Only former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who was defeated in his presidential bid in 2010, has been reported to have filed his certificate of candidacy for senator for PRP.

Roque did not file his COC and had declared that he would only run for Senator if the President’s daughter runs for President.

Mayor Duterte’s supporters are hoping that she would run as a substitute presidential candidate.

Several political parties said they would welcome her as their standard-bearer.

The last day for substituting candidates is Nov. 15.