Love Him Or Hate Him, Harry Roque Fights The Good Fight – “VIEW FROM THE INSIDE” by Marilyn Montaño
I was simultaneously taken aback and pleased with what Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said recently.
In the midst of criticism from former colleagues and supporters, Roque issued a powerful statement on accountability, which — in effect — shed light on what really happened at the National Food Authority and the issue of the government’s rice importation.
“If no one will file a case against Jason Aquino,” Roque said, “I will personally file it.”
This is both brave and admirable as President Duterte himself said he believes Jason Aquino was telling the truth. Roque — essentially — proved that he remains the fighting and fierce lawyer that many have come to know and respect. He knows what issues call for justice.
He is still the Harry Roque that fought for the 58 victims of the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre.
He is still the Harry Roque that fought for Jennifer Laude after she was killed by an American serviceman.
By association, most who hate Duterte abhor Roque. But I believe, from where I sit, that they’re missing the point. Roque remains committed to pursuing justice for those oppressed and incapable of defending themselves.
He was never the type to stand for something with popularity as his primary consideration. This explains why anything said against him now does not affect him — because he remains true to his values and convictions.
Personally, I’m hoping he’ll pursue the filing of cases against Jason Aquino. What happened within the NFA and the rice importation under Aquino calls for justice. Corruption, of any type or form, is injustice.
Dialing back, while Roque’s stint as a Congressman was short lived, he was able to introduce a number of profoundly consequential resolutions that shook the House of Representatives to its core. He passed an act creating a circuit criminal court meant to hasten the delivery of justice; an act imposing stiffer penalties on those driving under the influence of alcohol; and a proposal to create public safety units at the local level — a wonderful weapon against the damage brought by super typhoons.
President Duterte has repeatedly hinted at Roque’s possible senatorial run. Will he leave the cabinet to run for the senate? The filing of candidacy nears and we will all soon find out.
Again, going back to the reason why this piece was written, Harry Roque, in issuing statements like what he said about Jason Aquino has me convinced that he is still the Harry Roque that the public knows.
He remains the defender who fights the good fight.
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