MANILA — At least six members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet may file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 13, 2019 elections, Malacañang bared Tuesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque disclosed this as the deadline for filing of COCs, which is on Oct. 11-17, is fast approaching.
“From my last count, there will be around six who might file their certificates of candidacy for national and local posts. I do not know who but I just made a count. There will be around six,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.
He did not name names but said there will be three Cabinet officials running for national posts and another three running for local posts.
Asked if he would be among the Cabinet members running for a national post, Roque said he has yet to speak with the President and make up his mind.
“We’ll find out on Oct. 17, 2018. I do not know, honestly. I’ve not had a chance to meet with the President. He is not back in Manila until tomorrow,” he said.
“I need to talk to him. He is my appointing authority. However I decide, I have to talk to the President. Hayaan mo muna kami mag-usap (Allow us to speak first),” he added.
Roque, meanwhile, insisted that should he seek a seat in the Senate, anyone could easily replace him as presidential spokesperson.
“I’m easily replaceable. Dime a dozen ang spokesperson (Spokespersons are a dime a dozen),” he said.
He, however, said the President’s top aide, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, is an exception.
“I do not know if he (Go) can ever be replaceable but that’s his decision. If he wants to run, then the President will have to make do,” he added.
Go has yet to confirm if he has plans to run for senator but Duterte himself has encouraged him to do so.
Earlier, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), named at least four Palace executives who may be considered by the party for its 2019 senatorial slate.
Roque, Go, Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Francis Tolentino, and Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson were among the names being considered by the ruling party. (Azer Parrocha/PNA)
