MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said he will talk "better" with his spokesman Harry Roque regarding his plans for the 2019 elections.

"I’ll just talk to him better. Ano ba talaga? Tatakbo hindi, tatakbo hindi?" Duterte told reporters in Davao City upon his arrival from Indonesia.

"Buti pa paabutin yan ng 2021, longer space to make a choice with finality."

The President earlier said he needs Roque to stay in the administration, adding that the latter will not win if he decides to run for senator in the 2019 elections.

• Duterte says Roque won't win in 2019 polls
• Roque's future uncertain under Duterte administration

Despite Roque's uncertainty for a possible Senate bid, Duterte has tapped Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo as the next spokesman.

• Panelo is next Duterte spokesman

"Ganito yan eh, I hope I would not offend Harry but sabi niya magtakbo siya ng senador, o di sabi ko sige. Eh di automatic may naisip na ako. Sal, ikaw muna. If you want it, I’d scout for another legal adviser," Duterte explained.

"Tapos kinabukasan sabi niya di na raw. Sabi ko nasabihan ko na si ano (Panelo). Tapos kinabukasan tatakbo na naman siya. Kanina sabi ni Bong, di naman tatakbo. The flight was smooth but when we’re talking about Harry, bigla akong nahilo."

Roque earlier said he has not yet resigned from his post as the President's spokesman.

• Roque still hopeful on Duterte's support if he runs for senator

Roque said he is "still not sure" whether he will run for senator as the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 elections kicked off Thursday.

• Roque still unsure of Senate run