Roque invokes right to privacy in refusing to show COVID-19 test result

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque holds an online press briefing while on self-quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Screengrab from RTVM

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has invoked his right to privacy in refusing to make public his positive COVID-19 test result.

 Aside from the right to privacy, he also said he is entitled to presumption of regularity of pronouncement as the presidential spokesman.

 “That’s covered by privacy,” he said in an interview on ABS CBN News Channel on Monday when asked why he refused to show his test results.

“Why can’t public officials such as the presidential spokesperson be entitled of presumption of regularity of pronouncement?” he added

Roque last week announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 but was asymptomatic. 

He refused to show his test result, saying he does not think it is important.

 “Being positive is not a badge of honor. I stayed in an isolation facility; would I do that if I was not positive?” he said.

Roque also quashed rumors that he is staying in a luxury hotel, revealing that he is quarantined in a two-star hotel in San Juan City. 

 gsg