Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s decision to bring along—and pay all the expenses for—a male pageant candidate as his companion on a trip abroad has sparked controversy.

During its investigation of the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) hub at the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, Pampanga, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) came across documents pertaining to Roque’s travel to Ukraine with his companion, a former contestant in the 2015 Misters of Filipinas pageant who later represented the Philippines in the Mister Supranational competition in Poland in 2016.

The companion was identified as Alberto Rodulfo “AR” De La Serna, who was appointed by Roque himself as his Executive Assistant in his office as the Presidential Spokesperson during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The PAOCC recovered from the raided POGO hub De La Serna’s appointment papers dated Oct. 5, 2021.

The agency also retrieved a copy of Roque’s affidavit of support for De La Serna for their overseas travel, in which Roque declared that he “will take full responsibility for all the financial support that his assistant will be requiring for the duration of a trip to Poland, Ukraine, and Italy in October 2023.”

Roque stated in the affidavit, “I am financially capable and willing to cover all expenses related to De La Serna’s travel, including, but not limited to, transportation, accommodation, meals, medical expenses, and any other necessary costs.”

The former Duterte spokesman said he was invited to Europe as a resource person in a forum on the peace process in Ukraine and needed a travel companion “since I am diabetic, with a coronary stent and suffering from acute spinal stenosis.”

There were reports that De La Serna had accompanied Roque in some of his previous foreign trips.

Several individuals posted on social media their comments on the subject, as they questioned Roque’s decision to bring De La Serna to his travels.

Netizen Thea T. posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Harry Roque’s decision to bring Mr. Supranational 2016 with him in his travels for purported health assistance is questionable. Is Mr Supranational 2016 trained in taking blood pressure, administering CPR, and measuring blood sugar levels? Usually, people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes are accompanied by healthcare professionals, like caregivers, or those trained in the skills I mentioned…”

The IMPACT Leadership advocacy group posted also on X: “ROQUE’S SIGNED DOCUMENTS FOR FORMER STAFF AND ‘TRAVEL COMPANION’ RECOVERED IN PORAC POGO RAID. According to the appointment paper, Mister Supranational 2016, Alberto Rodulfo Y. de la Serna, was appointed as Executive Assistant III at Roque’s office with a compensation of P54,251.”

Netizen mj d. said, “Yung ginawa nilang chismis kay [former Senator] Leila De Lima, bumalik kay Harry Roque…”

Another X user, keth c., stated: “Clarifying this now: The issue is NOT about the SOGIE of Harry Roque or whatever the relationship with De La Serna is (literal ba keber). The issue is why we, taxpayers, are to shoulder this kind of unwanted hiring. Imagine ka level niya ng sahod ang Asst Prof sa UP!!!”

The issue has also become the subject of a number of memes about Roque which circulated on social media.

📷 Harry Roque FB, Alberto De La Serna FB