Abella on Roque’s appointment as spokesperson: ‘He’s more than adequate’

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Monday finally broke his silence regarding the appointment of Kabayan party-list Rep. Harry Roque as the president’s new mouthpiece.

“It is clear that the president has very sure instincts and that PS (Presidential Spokesperson) Roque meets his expectations,” Abella said in a statement. 

He added: “I believe PSR will be more than adequate for the occasion and will deliver the right support needed for PRRD’s program of government.”

During the press briefing before departing for Tokyo Sunday night, President Rodrigo Duterte was tight-lipped on the reason behind Roque’s appointment.

“The reason is my personal decision. I am not about to explain why I did it,” Duterte said.

He, however, said he is confident that Roque, a tough-talking solon, would convey his words to the public well.

READ: Roque to Duterte critics: If you throw stones, I'll throw hollow blocks

The president was allegedly dissatisfied with how Abella, a pastor by profession, handled several issues hounding his administration.

When asked if what’s in store for the soft-speaking mouthpiece, Duterte responded: “I will answer you when he’s there.”

In October last year, Abella went under fire after advising journalists to use their “creative imagination” in deciphering Duterte’s statement about cutting ties with the United States. 

Roque will attend his first Cabinet meeting on November 6.

READ: Tough-talking Harry Roque now Duterte's spokesperson

De Lima: With Abella’s departure, level of discourse will decline

Detained Sen. Leila de Lima on Monday said the public should expect that the government’s level of discourse would decline once Abella leaves his post.

“With the departure of Sec. Abella, I fear the even further decline of the level of discourse and language we could expect from now on from the President and his men,” De Lima said in her latest “Dispatch from Crame.”

De Lima called Abella a “decent man.” She, on the other hand, condemned the rude actions of high-ranking officials such as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

READ: Palace defends obscene remarks of Andanar, Panelo

Andanar and Panelo were under fire last week for their sex-related comments that some sectors found inappropriate.

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay also warned that the use of offensive language Duterte and his officials downgrades the level of conversation and degrades government institutions.

“They must be able to recognize that they are holding important positions in the government and people are looking up to them. They don’t want to get down to the level of gutter language even if that might appear delectable to the public,” Hilbay said on ANC’s “Early Edition” last week. 

READ: Hilbay: Rude talk downgrades discourse, corrupts institutions