Former Duterte spokesperson Harry Roque recently contorted reality by proclaiming that there is no Democracy within the hallowed halls of the House of Representatives. 

Irony, it seems, has taken early retirement in the Philippines. Roque’s revelation comes as the House contemplates resolutions urging the government to graciously allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Duterte’s infamous war on drugs. It’s a bit like a magician complaining that his own disappearing act lacks transparency.

Roque, with a straight face and a wink to absurdity, inadvertently justifies the ICC’s intervention (which he opposes) by highlighting the lack of Democratic charm in the very institution he once was part of. He fell just short of proclaiming the justice system, and by extension, Democracy do not work in the Philippines.

Welcome to the paradoxical circus of Philippine politics, where self-awareness is in short supply, but irony is served in abundance.