Palace denies political persecution, says Roque’s asylum bid lacks merit

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro denied on Tuesday allegations of political persecution against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Castro stated that evidence against Roque is 'overwhelming' and urged him to face his case in the Philippines, questioning how there could be political persecution when the evidence is so strong.

Roque announced on Monday that he will file an application for asylum in The Netherlands due to concerns about returning to the Philippines.

The former spokesperson has been in hiding since September 2024 after an arrest order was issued against him by the House Quad Committee for skipping a hearing into Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

In October last year, Roque faced additional charges of human trafficking alongside two others for their alleged involvement with Lucky South 99 Corporation, a POGO hub raided in Porac, Pampanga.

Castro noted that Roque's request for asylum will not affect the cases against him and stressed that there must be 'well-founded fear of political persecution' for such requests to be granted.

The Palace official urged Roque to face his cases in the Philippines to prove he has no violation.