Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s latest social media post expressing homesickness has drawn a witty response from OPM band Lola Amour, which cleverly tied its hit song “Raining in Manila” to the former official’s ongoing legal troubles.
Roque, who has remained in Europe amid legal issues in the Philippines, posted:
“Homesick. Raining like Im back home in Manila. Sana nga 🙂”
The rainy weather may have reminded him of home, but it also reminded social media users of Lola Amour’s viral hit.
The band shared Roque’s post on Facebook and put its own spin on the song’s lyrics:
“‘So I’ll be waiting in Manila kahit di ka na babalik’ — PNP”
The caption is a play on “Raining in Manila” while also referencing the Philippine National Police (PNP), implying that authorities would be “waiting in Manila” should Roque return to the country.
The joke resonated online because it worked on multiple levels. It referenced the song about longing for someone who is away while poking fun at Roque’s continued stay abroad amid calls for him to return and face the allegations against him.
“The shade is shading,” a Facebook user wrote.
“I saw what you did there,” one said.
“‘So I’ll be waiting in manila bakit di kapa bumalik?’ kasi yun,” another joked.
“Ang humor! Bentang benta,” a Facebook user commented.
Roque has been staying in Europe since 2025 as he faces legal issues in the Philippines.
Authorities have linked him to investigations involving alleged illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities, including qualified human trafficking allegations, which he has repeatedly denied, saying the accusations are politically motivated.
His stay overseas has also been a recurring topic online.
In May, a Filipino exchange student’s chance encounter with Roque in the Netherlands went viral. Ashley de Leon, a singer who goes by “muffin” online, shared a TikTok video of her encounter with Roque while she was purchasing kibbeling, a popular Dutch snack consisting of battered and seasoned fish chunks.
She also noted that Roque appeared slimmer, joking that he was on a “fugitive diet.
READ: Exchange student shares ‘face-to-face’ sighting of Roque in Netherlands
