MANILA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Harry Roque is named as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesperson, outgoing presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on Monday.
Panelo replaced Roque who stepped down as presidential spokesperson in October 2018 to run for a senate seat in the 2019 midterm elections.
"Harry Roque will be back to his previous post," Panelo said in a statement, adding that "the present crisis requires a new tack in messaging.
Roque's reappointment came as the Philippines grapples with the new coronavirus disease that has killed 297 and infected 4,648 in the country as of Sunday.
Panelo added he will retain his post as the chief presidential legal counsel.
Roque, the 53-year-old lawyer, has yet to issue a statement. But Philippine Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Rachel Queenie Rodulfo said in a statement that Roque has accepted the post.
