Castro: Public should also urge Roque to return home

In a surprise move on Friday, former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque arrived in The Hague, Netherlands, in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who at the time was preparing to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the charges of crimes against humanity lodged against him.

When sought for the Palace’s reaction, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said she was unable to comment on behalf of the House of Representatives or the Quad Committee.

“I cannot speak on behalf of the Quad Comm, on behalf of the House of Representatives, because it’s the House’s arrest warrant that was not executed because of Atty. Harry Roque’s hiding,” she said.

This was Roque’s first personal public appearance since an arrest order was issued against him by the Quad Committee of the House of Representatives after being cited for contempt for failure to submit documents explaining his wealth.

The Justice Department is also looking for Roque, as he is facing human trafficking complaints due to his alleged “active participation” in the operations of Lucky South 99, located in Porac, Pampanga. One of the sites used as scam hubs and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

Castro suggested that the public supporting Duterte also call on Roque to come home.

“But maybe it would be better if we really challenged him to come home, because, ‘bring home FP Duterte.’ So, maybe it would be better for people to shout, ‘bring home Roque,’” she said.

Roque is currently enlisted as a member of the legal team who will represent Duterte in the ICC, along with former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Vice President Sara Duterte, and British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.

Kaufman will lead the defense team in the ICC.