In the theater of Philippine politics, where the line between statesmanship and spectacle is often blurred, a recent episode involving former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has left the public oscillating between shock and sheer incredulity. The source of the commotion is a statement attributed to Roque that manages to be both a scathing personal attack and a pious call for spiritual intercession—all directed at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The incident has reignited the smoldering tensions between the Duterte and Marcos camps, while simultaneously raising questions about the decorum, strategy, and perhaps even the stability of those who once walked the halls of power.

The controversy stems from reports that Roque, currently facing significant legal hurdles including the cancellation of his passport, leveled a severe accusation against the President. Using rhetoric that has become uncomfortably common in the growing rift between the current and former administrations, Roque allegedly branded President Marcos Jr. with terms implying substance dependency. In the rough-and-tumble world of political mudslinging, accusations of incompetence are standard fare; accusations of illicit substance use, however, strike at the very character and fitness of a leader. It is a heavy charge, one that carries the weight of potential instability for the nation if taken seriously by the electorate.

However, it was not the insult itself that caused the collective jaw of the public to drop—it was what followed immediately after. In a twist that defies traditional political logic, Roque reportedly pivoted from this character assassination to a solemn request for prayers. He asked the public to pray for the very man he had just maligned. This juxtaposition of hostility and holiness has created a cognitive dissonance among observers. Is this sarcasm masquerading as piety? Is it a cynical attempt to soften the blow of a harsh accusation? Or is it, as some critics have suggested, a sign of a frantic unraveling?

The reaction from the public has been swift and largely critical. Social media platforms have lit up with commentary, with many echoing the sentiment found in the source material: “Tao ba ‘to?” (Is this person human?). The phrase captures the confusion regarding Roque’s behavior. To insult someone so gravely and then invoke the divine on their behalf feels, to many, like a breach of basic human sincerity. It suggests a transactional view of faith, where prayer is used not as a vehicle for grace, but as a rhetorical device to punctuate a political attack.

Context is crucial to understanding this outburst. Harry Roque is currently a man under siege. Once the mouthpiece of the presidency under Rodrigo Duterte, he now finds himself on the defensive. A Pasig court has reportedly ordered the cancellation of his passport, along with that of other figures linked to controversial investigations involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Roque has vigorously denied these charges, framing himself as a lawyer simply doing his job and a victim of political persecution. He insists he is not a fugitive, arguing that he left the country before any charges were filed—a technical defense that the courts seem to be rejecting based on the concept of “intent to evade.”

This legal pressure cooker provides the backdrop for his erratic public statements. When a political figure feels cornered, the strategy often shifts from defense to offense. By attacking the President’s personal character, Roque attempts to delegitimize the administration that is pursuing him. It is a classic diversionary tactic: shift the conversation from one’s own legal troubles to the alleged moral failings of the prosecutor. If the public is talking about the President’s health or habits, they are arguably talking less about Roque’s alleged connections to illegal hubs or his flight from jurisdiction.

Yet, the addition of the prayer request complicates this narrative. It adds a layer of surrealism to the strategy. It is possible that Roque is attempting to rally the religious base or paint himself as a concerned citizen rather than a bitter rival. However, the execution has largely backfired. instead of appearing concerned, he appears contradictory. Instead of looking like a victim, he looks like an aggressor hiding behind a veil of sanctity. The public, savvy to the nuances of political theater, largely sees through the act. They see a man who is lashing out, using every tool at his disposal—including faith—to claw back some semblance of control.

The implications of this rhetoric are damaging for the broader political climate. When discourse descends to the level of unverified personal attacks coupled with insincere religious posturing, it erodes public trust. It turns governance into a reality show where shock value trumps policy. The accusation regarding substance dependency is serious; if true, it is a national security issue. If false, it is libelous. To toss it out casually, sandwiched between legal defenses and prayer requests, trivializes the gravity of the claim.

Furthermore, this incident highlights the deepening fracture between the Marcos administration and the Duterte faction. Roque, serving as a proxy for the frustrations of the previous administration’s supporters, is burning bridges that may never be rebuilt. The calls for rallies and protests, fueled by these inflammatory statements, suggest a desire to destabilize the current leadership. It is a dangerous game, one that leverages the emotions of the masses against the stability of the state.

Ultimately, the question “Tao ba ‘to?” resonates because it touches on the loss of humanity in politics. When survival becomes the only objective, empathy, truth, and consistency are often the first casualties. Harry Roque’s simultaneous insult and prayer for President Marcos Jr. stands as a stark example of this phenomenon. It is a moment that will likely be remembered not for its political impact, but for its sheer, baffling absurdity—a reminder of how strange, and how personal, the battle for power in the Philippines has become. As the legal noose tightens around him, the public is left watching, wondering what strange turn this saga will take next.