MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Rumors have been going around that Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has been appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the new Secretary of Defense, replacing Delfin Lorenzana.

But Malacañang has categorically denied the rumors, saying that Roque stays put in his position, as does Lorenzana.

A fact check investigation by The Adobo Chronicles traced the rumors to the frustration of members of the Malacañang Press Corps as well as social media influencers who complained that Roque is always defensive when answering questions from the news media reporters.

A different kind of “defense.”