Manila: Malaca±ang has reiterated its call for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines, following his removal from the legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that Roque should address allegations regarding his alleged ties to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Castro stated, "By now, you may have heard that Atty. Harry Roque will no longer be part of former President Duterte's legal team." She further advised Roque to prioritize defending himself over representing others.

Roque, who is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, claims he is a victim of political persecution. He has accused the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) of investigating POGOs with political motives. However, the Palace has dismissed Roque's claims of political persecution, citing substantial evidence supporting the charges against him.

Roque had previously stated his need to be in the Netherlands as part of Duterte's legal team at the ICC, where Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity. However, Vice President Sara Duterte announced on Tuesday that Roque would not be included in her father's legal team.

Roque has been in hiding since September 2024 due to an arrest order issued by the QuadComm panel. He reappeared on March 14 at the ICC to express support for the former president. Additionally, Roque faces a human trafficking complaint related to his alleged involvement with Lucky South 99 Corporation, a POGO hub raided in Porac, Pampanga. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed the complaint in October 2024.