Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that his executive assistant, Mister Supranational Philippines 2016 Alberto Rodulfo “AR” De La Serna, was competent for the position assigned to him.
It can be recalled that Dela Serna’s name was brought up after his appointment papers and other documents signed by Roque were discovered at Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Tarlac.
In an interview, Roque highlighted Dela Serna’s qualifications and even revealed that he hired some of the latter’s friends to assist him.
“Siya po ay galing sa isang political family na Dela Serna. Ang lolo po niya ay dating gobernador ng Bohol. Ang lolo niya sa side ng nanay niya ay dating vice mayor. Siya po ay isang college graduate at siya po ay kinuha ko bilang IT,” said Roque.
“Sila po ang nag-handle, isang grupo po iyan ng magbarkada, na nag-handle po ng aking IT o aking social media presence noong ako po ay nasa Malacanang at kami po ay nasa eleksyon,” he added.
According to the reports, Roque and Dela Serna had already become subject to blind items since 2022, about a public official often seen traveling with a handsome man.
Records show that Roque and Dela Serna traveled to eight different countries, including Hong Kong, New York, China, Japan, and Abu Dhabi.
The purpose of the said travels was unclear, but Roque, in the document, designated Dela Serna as his travel companion during his trip to Europe.
Meanwhile, Roque’s defenders said that Dela Serna’s appearance now is not the same as the photos of him available on social media, which were taken 8 years ago, and people should stop linking the former public official to the model.
