Duterte ‘not aware’ of Roque going on leave, says Go

President Rodrigo Duterte is unaware that Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has gone on leave starting Monday, October 8, his trusted aide said.

“Not aware,” Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said in Filipino through a text message to INQUIRER.net when asked if Duterte had been informed of Roque’s decision to go on leave.

Go said Roque would still attend the Cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon.

“He said he will attend the Cabinet [meeting] this afternoon,” he said.

Roque, through his staff on Monday morning, announced he would go on leave starting October 8.

The announcement came a few days after the President said that he should quit his Senate ambition because “he would not win.”

The President instead offered him a new job in Malacañang.

READ: Roque goes on leave after Duterte ‘quit Senate dream’ advice

“Pls be advised that Presidential Spokesperson will be on leave starting today, Monday, October 8. All requests for statements kindly post here for his corresponding response. Thank you,” Director Dennis Ting of the Presidential Communication Operations Office told Malacañang reporters in an advisory Monday morning. /je