House urges Harry Roque to return from Netherlands to face legal issues

House leaders are urging former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and face legal processes following allegations that he is evading accountability.

Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V stated during a press conference on Thursday, March 20, that Roque should 'come home and face the music,' noting that Roque has no business staying in The Netherlands since Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed he will not be part of her father's legal team there.

Roque remains under an outstanding contempt citation from the House Quad Committee investigating illegal POGO operations and has avoided multiple hearings and law enforcement attempts to serve arrest orders.

Former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who represented Rodrigo Duterte at his initial appearance before the ICC, will also step down as legal counsel.

Lawmakers criticized Roque for using legal technicalities to evade accountability and suggested that if his asylum is rejected, he should return home to face charges.