Luli Arroyo-Bernas Harry Roque became a trending topic after a 2023 Austria photo resurfaced, prompting the Philippine ambassador to clarify she has had no contact since.

A photo taken in Austria in 2023 has resurfaced online, prompting renewed public attention and speculation. Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes “Luli” Arroyo-Bernas has clarified that she has had no communication with former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque since that photo was taken, emphasizing that the image has been taken out of its proper context and should not be used to draw political conclusions.

In a statement shared through media interviews, Arroyo-Bernas explained that the photo, which has recently circulated on social media, dates back to the summer of 2023 and was taken during a formal and non-political event in Austria. She stressed that the encounter was incidental and rooted in a cultural activity involving the Filipino community, not a private or ongoing association.

According to the ambassador, the event was organized to recognize a Filipina-Austrian family that had long been residing in Austria and had made a cultural contribution related to Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The family had expressed interest in seeing the bust of Rizal that they had previously donated, prompting the embassy to ensure that proper acknowledgment and attribution were given. The gathering, Arroyo-Bernas said, was conducted in an official and transparent manner.

Arroyo-Bernas noted that Roque happened to be present because of his prior friendship with the family involved and that he attended the visit with his relatives. She reiterated that his presence was not coordinated with her office in a political capacity and that the photo merely captured a moment during that visit. “That was the photo,” she explained, underscoring that there was no deeper engagement beyond that brief interaction.

The ambassador was firm in saying that since that day in 2023, there has been no communication between her and Roque. She added that attempts to link the image to current political narratives are misleading and unfair, particularly given the absence of any subsequent contact or collaboration. Her clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny of public officials and former government figures, especially in relation to international postings and diplomatic engagements.

Observers note that photos taken during diplomatic or cultural events often involve multiple individuals from different backgrounds, professions, and affiliations. In many cases, such images are later recirculated without context, leading to assumptions that do not reflect the reality of the situation. Arroyo-Bernas’ statement seeks to draw a clear line between a one-time public event and any suggestion of an ongoing relationship.

The Philippine Embassy in Austria regularly hosts and participates in activities that celebrate Filipino heritage, strengthen ties with overseas Filipinos, and honor historical and cultural contributions. These events, diplomats say, are part of standard embassy functions and are open to members of the Filipino community and their networks. Attendance at such gatherings does not automatically indicate political alignment or personal affiliation.

Arroyo-Bernas, a career diplomat and former academic, has consistently emphasized professionalism and non-partisanship in her role as ambassador. Her clarification reinforces the principle that diplomatic work abroad must be viewed through the lens of official duty rather than domestic political rivalry. She also reminded the public to verify timelines and contexts before drawing conclusions based on isolated images.

The resurfacing of the photo highlights how quickly old images can gain new meaning in the digital age, especially when shared without explanation. Analysts point out that public officials, particularly those in diplomatic posts, are often photographed with a wide range of individuals, making it essential to distinguish between ceremonial encounters and substantive relationships.

As discussions continue online, Arroyo-Bernas’ statement serves as a reminder that context matters. A single photograph, she stressed, should not be used to imply connections that no longer exist or to fuel narratives unsupported by facts. Her message is clear: the image belongs to a moment in the past, and it does not reflect her present engagements or communications.

For the ambassador, the issue is less about the photo itself and more about ensuring that accurate information prevails. By addressing the matter directly, she aims to put an end to speculation and refocus attention on her work representing the Philippines and serving the Filipino community abroad.