UniTeam senatorial candidate Harry Roque said he would continue to fight for freedom of expression despite being the target of fake news and harsh criticisms during an election campaign.
A human rights lawyer, Roque said that he firmly defended journalists against libel charges even before he became a presidential spokesperson.
“Lahat ng nadedemanda na peryodista for libel, I defended them. Lahat ng mga bloggers na kinukulong not just in the Philippines but abroad, Vietnam and Thailand included, I defended them,” Roque said.
“I am a firm believer of freedom of expression kasi kahit anongkasinungalingan ang sabihin mo diyan, meron naman tayongfaculties to ascertain the truth from falsity so I have to walk the talk. I’ve stood for freedom of expression. I need to live with it,” he added.
The Constitution states that “no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Roque said that even churches enjoy the freedom of speech and are free to endorse any political candidates.
The religious group El Shaddai expressed their support for Roque’s bid for a Senate seat in the May elections.
“Ikinagagalak ko po na ako po ay inendorso ng pinakamalakingCatholic charismatic movement na El Shaddai,” Roque said.
“Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa pag-endorso ng El Shaddai at lalung-lalo na po kay Brother Mike Velarda. Maraming salamat din po sa milyun-milyong kasapi nito,” he added.
#SaPanguloSpokesman
#SaInyoActionman
