Boracay diving trip occurred before COVID exposure, says Roque

By Deighton Acuin

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on Tuesday denied having leisure activities in Boracay Island despite exposure to COVID-19.

Roque made the response after receiving backlash that he is under isolation due to exposure, a revelation he made after viral photos of him diving in Boracay over the weekend.

“Hindi ko po kasama sa Visayas ang staff ko na nag positive sa COVID-19,” Roque said during the Palace briefing.

“I left Manila last Friday. He (the staff who tested positive for COVID-19), picked me up from the airport on Sunday,” Roque added.

He stressed that he did not violate any of the protocols implemented against COVID-19 while travelling out of town.

The Palace official added he was on a work trip in Iloilo before going to Boracay Island.

“Hindi po totoo [na hindi ako compliant]. I am 100% complaint with all the rules,” Roque said.

“Nagkaroon po ako ng meeting sa Iloilo, then I had a side trip. I always have a reason to go out and I take advantage of it. Sa mga kritiko ko, sorry, I am a lawyer, a law professor. I never violate the rules,” Roque added.