Former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque has refuted the allegations that he was behind the video allegedly showing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using illegal drugs.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Balansyado on Wednesday, Roque clarified that he had no close connections with anyone who could have witnessed the alleged cocaine use by Marcos.
"Wala naman po akong tao na naging close kay Marcos Jr. to the extent na hindi niya itatago ang pagpupulburon niya. Ang sinasabi ni Agent Morales, ang sinabi ni President Duterte, nakakatanggap nga sila ng report na may grupo talaga si Marcos Jr. kapag sila ay tumitira," said Roque.
During the House Tri-Committee hearing on Tuesday, Vicente Bencalo, a vlogger known as Pebbles Cunanan, came forward and accused Roque of being the person responsible for spreading the video.
The vlogger then explained that the purpose of the video was to undermine the Marcos administration. Additionally, Cunanan submitted an affidavit containing a detailed information about the video in question.
According to Cunanan, the plan to release the "polvoron" video was made during a private dinner in Hong Kong on July 7, 2024, following the Maisug rally, alongside other pro-Duterte vloggers and personalities.
Cunanan then confirmed the attendance of notable figures at the meeting through a photograph, which included Roque, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Atty. Glen Chong, former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles, Lorraine Badoy, Sass Sasot, and others.
However, Roque clarified that it was the first time he met Pebbles and confirming her statement that she arrived late at the said event.
"Unang-una naaawa ako kay Pebbles kasi alam naman nating talagang ginigipit ang mga maka-Duterteng vloggers, at naiintindihan ko kung bakit bigla-bigla siyang nabaliktad," said Roque.
"Sa katunayan, kauna-unahang pagkakataon ko na na-meet ‘yan si Pebbles doon sa Hongkong. Gaya ng kwento niya, late na sila dumating noong hapunan na iyon at hindi lang po iyon, nakaupo pa siya sa ibang table," he added.
Roque expressed that he was puzzled as to how Cunanan allegedly overheard their conversation, considering she was seated at a different table.
Where did the video originate?
He explained that Maharlika claimed the video was given to her by a "white snake," a close associate of President Marcos Jr.
Furthermore, he explained that the video was given to Maharlika because the individual could no longer tolerate the Marcos administration and wanted to reveal the truth to the public.
However, when it comes to the motive, he noted that he did not know what Cunanan's intentions were in revealing the said information during the hearing.
"Hindi ko po alam kung anong motibo ni Pebbles pero alam ko po talagang gusto akong diinin ng gobyerno," said Roque.
"Alam niyo naman po simula’t simula sinasabi ko na, na kaya ako iniipit ng Kongreso, ako ang pinagbibintangan dyan sa pulvoronic video na ‘yan," he added.
He further disclosed that he knew someone who claimed to have seen three videos in which President Marcos is seen inhaling a white powdery substance.
