MANILA, Philippines — Binawi na ni dating presidential spokesperson Harry Roque ang kanyang kandidatura sa pagkasenador para sa 2019 midterm elections, Biyernes.
Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Roque na umatras siya mula sa napipintong halalan dahil sa iniindang sakit.
STATEMENT OF ATTY. HARRY ROQUE ANNOUNCING HIS WITHDRAWAL FROM THE 2019 SENATORIAL RACE https://t.co/9VH4TFtDJh
— Harry Roque (@attyharryroque) February 1, 2019
"I have recently undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention following the discovery of an unstable angina coronary disease earlier this week. In the days since the procedure, I have been forced to confront the reality of my physical situation and what it ultimately means for my aspirations to public service," banggit ni Roque sa isang Facebook note.
Pinasasalamatan aniya ni Roque ang lahat ng walang sawang sumuporta sa kanyang senatorial bid.
"I ran for senator because I wanted to be of service in a way that I know I will be highly effective. Whatever they may think of my politics, those who have seen my work in both the public and private sector can attest to what I would have brought to the Senate," dagdag niya.
"It is with a truly heavy heart that I announce the withdrawal of my senatorial bid."
Ayon kay Roque, na dating naging bahagi ng Kamara bilang represenatante ng Kabayan party-list, umaasa siya na muling makapaglingkod bilang mambabatas.
"I continue to support our President and this administration and wish only the best for our country," wika ni Roque.
Nauna nang naging malamig ang Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kagustuhan ni Roque na tumakbo, at iginiit pang hindi siya mananalo.
"Si Roque, gusto magsenador. Sabi ko, 'Tama ka na. T****** diyan. Standby ka. Bigyan kita ibang trabaho. Hindi ka manalo diyan,'" wika ng presidente sa dinner kasama ang Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Oktubre noong nakaraang taon.
Nakilala si Roque bilang isang human rights lawyer. Ilan sa mga high profile cases na kanyang hinawakan ay ang Maguindanao Massacre at pagpaslang sa transgender woman na si Jennifer Laude.