President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assigned Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday (May 17) to be the spokesperson for all matters regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In the President’s Talk to the People, he ordered his cabinet members to “refrain discussing” the WPS with others. He only authorized Secretary Roque to speak about the subject.
“So, this is my order now to the Cabinet and to all — all and sundry, ‘yong ano, talking for the government to refrain discussing itong West Philippine Sea with the — with anybody.”
“If we have to talk, we talk and tayo-tayo lang, and there is one spokesman — si Secretary Harry will do it. Now you get the picture,” the President added.
Meanwhile, in the Palace briefing on Tuesday (May 18), Roque affirmed the order and said the Chief Executive’s instruction was “clear.”
(PTV News)/NGS-jlo