Harry Roque’s request for asylum won’t affect his cases in PH – Palace
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (PHOTO FROM THE OUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FB PAGE)
MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson in The Netherlands won’t affect his cases in the country, a Palace official said Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro made the pronouncement after Roque recently announced that he will submit an asylum application in the Netherlands which would grant him the right to “non-departation.”
“Hindi naman ito makakaapekto. Unang-una po, magpa-file pa lang po yata siya ng petition at hindi pa po ito naga-grant,” said Castro in a Palace press conference.
(It won’t affect anything. First of all, he’s just going to file a petition and it hasn’t been granted yet.
“Tandaan po natin, bago po ito mag-grant dapat mapalabas niya po na may well-founded fear of political persecution,” she added.
(Let’s remember, before it is granted, he must be able to prove that he has a well-founded fear of political persecution.)
According to Castro, Roque cannot prove political persecution based on the evidence gathered by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force against him, specifically, on his alleged involvement in the operations of suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque is facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice over his alleged active participation in the operations of the Pogo hub.
“So, how could there be a political persecution if all the pieces of evidence are overwhelming?” Castro said.
Asked if the country aims to work with the International Criminal Police Organization in bringing Roque home, Castro responded in the negative, but explained that this may change once a warrant of arrest is issued by a Philippine court.
Prior to this appearance in the Netherlands, Roque has been in hiding amid an arrest order from the House of Representatives Quad Committee after being cited for contempt and ordered to be detained due to his failure to submit documents that would supposedly justify his sudden increased wealth.
