Manila Bulletin
Palace exec tells Roque: Defend yourself first before others
The Presidential Communications Office challenged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to first represent himself in court before defending others, following his announcement to seek asylum in the Netherlands.
Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that Roque will no longer be part of former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal defense team at the International Criminal Court.
Roque stated his intention to seek political asylum in the Netherlands due to fears of political persecution in the Philippines as he prepared to represent Duterte at the ICC.
Malacañang Palace has denied any political persecution against Harry Roque.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives plan to block Roque's asylum request in the Netherlands.
Roque departed the country in 2024 prior to the House's Quad Committee issuing an arrest warrant against him for contempt related to his failure to disclose documents explaining his wealth.
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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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Malacañang, through Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro, has urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines.
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Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea will not be part of former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team for his International Criminal Court (ICC) case.
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Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has announced the legal defense team for former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on March 17, 2025, that he is seeking asylum in the Netherlands due to alleged political persecution.
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