MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – They were supposed to provide Filipinos with factual information and serve as a vehicle to calm frayed nerves brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, but the Presidential Press Briefings seem to be adding more stress for many, thanks to Spokesperson Harry Roque.

GMA 7 correspondent Joseph Morong had even advised Roque — on live TV — “to relax” after he and many viewers noticed the Spox to get so easily irritated by reporters’ questions and criticism from President Rodrigo Duterte’s opponents. Roque’s facial expressions — not to mention his snark remarks — when encountering the likes of Rappler’s Pia Ranada are classic.

But it is not just members of the Malacañang Press Corps who suffer from Roque’s ways. A yet-to-be-published survey among hospitals across the country shows that outside of Covid-19, mental and emotional stress is among the top reasons for Emergency Room visits. Patients interviewed indicate a common stressor: listening to Roque’s Presidential Press Briefings. What a departure from the calm demeanor of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles!

Here is one of Roque’s most talked about come-back to Duterte’s critics to date: