These days, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque seems to be playing two roles in the government. One as the President’s main communicator and the other as an in-house clown of sorts.

The Secretary recently took a swipe at an unidentified comedian who apparently shared his or her point of view on the topic of vaccines. Roque obviously took issue with the comedian’s opinion. He said: “Di ko sinabing hindi puwede magsalita kahit sino. Pero pagdating sa bakuna, kinakailangan na ang dapat pakinggan ay ang eksperto sa bakuna. Eh sino ang ating pagkakatiwalaan? Siguro po hindi mga komedyante.”

Seems a bit ironic though as Roque himself is fond of posting jokes and being the subject of memes.

According to the Official Facebook page of the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, his role is part of the national government’s communications arm. The Presidential Spokesperson speaks on behalf of the President and is the primary source of information regarding current issues and concerns related to the President.

And what about this post of his: “kadalasan sa mga pogi, maiinitin ang ulo!!!!!! Kainiiiiiis! #kalmaAkoLangTo”

Naughty minds can’t help but think that this is an attempt to establish his presence for a possible election run in 2022. Although how such a juvenile post can help him with that is anybody’s guess.

Concerned citizens, however, just find it troubling. In their minds, such a tweet, post, or whatever it is called these days, seem to point to why the whole business of communication within Malacañang is a mess.

Roque’s jokes will get a few laughs from some people but there is no denying the wrongness in allowing himself to be the butt of jokes. He is, after all, a lawyer of some stature who also happens to be the occasional voice of the President.

The first few times, his antics came across as funny, maybe even cute for some. Now it’s just plain sad and a bit trying hard. If Roque wants to join the circus, he should just wait a bit longer since the elections are just about a year away.