Roque to Hontiveros: ‘If I go back to teaching, you can enroll in my class’

By Prince Golez

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday denied the statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros that he’s lawyering for China and downplaying the new Chinese coast guard law.

In his virtual presser, Roque cited his experience of teaching constitutional law and public international law at the University of the Philippines (UP) for 15 years, saying that he’s an expert on international law.

“Hindi ko po alam kung anong sinasabi ni Senator Risa Hontiveros. As past president of the Asian Society of International Law, siguro alam ko naman po ang international law. 15 taon ko yan tinuro full-time sa UP at nagkaroon ako ng advanced training in international law,” according to him.

The spokesman reiterated that any laws passed by nations must be accordance with the United Nations Charter that prohibits the use of force, unless by way of self defense or when authorized by the Security Council.

“Malinaw ang sinabi ko nung lumabas ang batas ng Tsina. Sinasabi ko na bagamat sila’y merong kapangayrihan na gumawa ng kanilang batas kinakailangan sangayon yan sa general international law na ipinagpbabawal ang gamit ng dahas, except by way of self-defense or when authorized by the Security Council,” said Roque.

“Hayaan mo, Senator Risa Hontiveros. If you want, if I go back to teaching, you can enroll in my class. Hindi ko lang alam kung ano ang magiging grade mo,” he added.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)