Harry Roque’s threat to throw “hollow blocks” and “adobe” at the critics of President Rodrigo Duterte is an irresponsible response to well-founded criticisms and a hollow bluff so unlike the moderation and composure of Pastor Ernesto Abella, his predecessor.

Roque must realize that criticism and dissent form the bedrock of democratic institutions.

As the anointed new presidential spokesperson, Roque must not act as a vicious silencer of the responsible opposition.

Roque’s mouthpiece was misaligned when he accused his own critics of envy on his appointment as presidential spokesperson.

Not in their wildest dreams did his critics wish to be Duterte’s mouthpiece.

No one envies Roque’s tragic transformation from a Deputy Minority Leader to an apologist for Duterte and from a human rights advocate to a defender of a gross violator of human rights.

His critics are not mortifying Roque with stones like the wicked woman in the Bible, but are trying to lead him back like a lost sheep gone astray.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN