Roque Not a Victim of Political Persecution, Palace Declares

MANILA – Malacañang on Tuesday dismissed claims that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is a victim of political persecution, following his plan to seek asylum in the Netherlands.

Speaking to reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Roque must prove a “well-founded fear of political persecution” for his asylum request to be granted.

“How could there be political persecution if the evidence against him is overwhelming? He should just face his case here and prove his innocence,” Castro said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Roque has been in hiding since September 2024 after the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) issued an arrest order against him for skipping hearings on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

In October, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed human trafficking charges against Roque and two others for their alleged involvement in Lucky South 99 Corporation, a POGO hub raided in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque Joins Duterte’s Legal Team

On March 14, Roque was seen at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands alongside Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Robin Padilla. Former president Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained there over crimes against humanity charges linked to his drug war.

Roque later announced his intention to seek political asylum in the Netherlands, claiming he was being unfairly targeted. He alleged that the QuadComm’s probe into POGOs was politically motivated.

Roque, one of five Filipino lawyers accredited by the ICC, has joined Duterte’s legal team, which also includes former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea and British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.

Gambling-Linked Charges and Political Controversy

Roque’s alleged involvement in POGO-related crimes remains a key issue. Authorities accuse him of playing a role in illegal activities linked to the gambling sector. His decision to flee and seek asylum has sparked debate on whether he is evading justice or truly facing political repression.

The Marcos administration, through the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, has reiterated that Roque’s charges are based on evidence and legal proceedings, not political bias.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, a former justice secretary under Duterte, has distanced himself from the administration’s handling of ICC matters. His position raises questions about the government’s strategy regarding Duterte’s case and Roque’s asylum request.

As Roque prepares his legal defense in the Netherlands, Philippine officials maintain that he should return and face due process. The controversy continues to unfold as Roque insists on his innocence while aligning himself with Duterte’s ICC battle.



News Source: Philippine News Agency