Showbiz insider Ogie Diaz couldn’t help but laugh after old statements of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque resurfaced online — revealing a clear contradiction between his past and current views on elderly detainees.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 4, Ogie shared screenshots comparing Roque’s remarks from 2020 and 2025.
In June 2020, Roque commented on the arrest of Elmer Cordero, a 72-year-old jeepney driver who was detained for joining a protest during the pandemic. Roque said at the time:
“Titingnan po natin ‘yan kasi regardless of your age, kapag may pending case, kinakailangan harapin ‘yong kaso. Magkakaroon lang po ‘yan ng clemency if he is found guilty.”
However, in September 2025, Roque shifted his tone while defending former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, over charges of crimes against humanity.
“At 80, si Tatay Digong kinakailangan na ng 24-hour assistance, kung hindi full-time nurse or caregiver,” Roque said.
Ogie then reacted with humor, calling out the inconsistency in Roque’s statements.
“Hahaha! Ang hirap talaga pag naresibuhan ka. Ang kahapon ang kalaban ng ngayon,” Ogie wrote, referring to how Roque’s past comments contradicted his current defense of Duterte.
Roque’s recent statement came amid unverified reports that Duterte allegedly lost consciousness inside his detention room at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The claim was later denied by former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV.
