Rodrigo Duterte for senator? Roque says: ‘Mas gusto niyang maging yayo’

Composite photo of ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque shunned speculations that former President Rodrigo Duterte will run for senator in the 2025 elections.

In a radio interview on Tuesday, Roque said he’s confident that the ex-chief executive is now tired of politics. In fact, there’s only one thing that Duterte has been yearning to do the most—to take care of his great-grandchild.

READ: After bashing critics, Duterte gets answer from Trillanes: ‘Batukan kaya kita’

“[A]ng alam ko po ay talagang pagod na pagod na ang Presidente. Mas ninanais pa nya na maging yayo doon sa kanyang apo sa tuhod na nakatira sa kanya ngayon,” said Roque over Radyo 630.

(What I know is that the President is really, really tired. In fact, he only wants to take care of his great-grandchild, who is living with him right now.)

Roque’s remarks came more than a month after former Senator Sonny Trillanes IV revealed that Duterte might run for senator in the 2025 polls.

In a post on his social media accounts, Trillanes said there is a need to “spread the truth” about Duterte to awaken his “moderate supporters.”

He even used the hashtag #IbasuraSiDuterteSa2025, which translates to Junk Duterte in 2025.

“Let’s not be passive or else panalo ulit yan,” said Trillanes then. (Let’s not be passive, or he will win again.)

Roque, however, downplayed Trillanes’ allegation, saying that the former senator only wants to be the center of attention, especially now that the midterm election is drawing near.