Panelo: Roque not a victim of political persecution

Former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo stated that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is not a victim of political persecution, asserting that harsher critics of the administration are not facing charges.

Panelo believes Roque's 'persecution' has reasons beyond his status as a critic, suggesting Roque must have done something that those investigating think should lead to him being sued.

His remarks followed an arrest order issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City, Pampanga, against Roque for qualified human trafficking, stemming from a raid on the Lucky South 99 Pogo hub in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in The Netherlands, was accused of aiding in securing an operating license for the Pogo hub.

Panelo advised Roque to return to the Philippines to face the charges, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the government and that Roque is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Panelo also stated that the case is best handled by foreign lawyers, as they are the ones practicing there and familiar with such proceedings.