Malaca±ang: The Philippine government has refuted claims that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is facing political persecution amidst his plans to seek political asylum in the Netherlands. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified the government's stance during a briefing with Palace reporters.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro asserted that the evidence against Roque is substantial, dismissing any notion of political persecution. She stated, "[His asylum bid] won't affect anything. First of all, he's just filing a petition and it hasn't been granted yet. Let's remember, before it can be granted, he must show that there is a well-founded fear of political persecution." Castro further emphasized that Roque should face his legal issues in the Philippines to demonstrate his innocence.
Roque has been elusive since September 2024 following an arrest order from the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) due to his absence at a hearing investigating the Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group have charged Roque and two others with human trafficking. These charges are linked to their alleged involvement with Lucky South 99 Corporation, a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque was spotted in March with Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Robin Padilla at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands, where former president Rodrigo Duterte faces charges related to his anti-illegal drugs campaign. Recently, Roque announced his intentions to seek asylum in the Netherlands to join Duterte's legal team, claiming he is a victim of political persecution by the QuadComm.
Roque, accredited as one of five Filipino lawyers by the ICC, has been appointed as one of Duterte's legal counsel, alongside former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.
