The Daily Tribune
What a difference 3 years make for Harry Roque
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on March 17, 2025, that he is seeking asylum in the Netherlands due to alleged political persecution.
Roque claims he cannot return to the Philippines to defend former President Rodrigo Duterte and fears unjust prosecution through a contempt order and human trafficking charges.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla questioned Roque's asylum bid, stating he should face any charges.
A qualified human trafficking complaint against Roque is with the DOJ, but no formal case has been filed in court.
Palace Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro denied allegations of political persecution, citing overwhelming evidence against Roque.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre called Roque's asylum bid a "cowardly maneuver to escape the consequences of his actions."
Evidence submitted to the PAOCC suggests Roque's involvement with a POGO and scam hub in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque, who left the country illegally in September 2024, is currently in the Netherlands attending the ICC trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
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Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc are urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to work with Dutch authorities to deny former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque's asylum application in the Netherlands.
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Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is seeking asylum in The Netherlands, claiming political persecution.
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Malacañang, through Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, has urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines.
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Malacañang believes former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque's asylum application in the Netherlands is a tactic to evade the House Quad Committee investigation into POGOs.
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Malacañang is urging former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines to face allegations, particularly since his previous reason for not returning, involvement with former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal team, no longer applies.
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