Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Monday his plan to file an application for asylum in the Netherlands, where he is set to defend former President Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of his legal team.

Speaking to reporters via video link, Roque explained that he would apply for asylum in the Netherlands due to what he described as “political persecution through unjust prosecution” by the House Quad-Committee.

“Well, I’m formally announcing that after a meeting today, I’m formally filing for asylum here at the Netherlands. As soon as my application of asylum is received, I do have rights to non-refoulement,” Roque said.

“Non-refoulement under the international law means number one, non-deportation until matapos ‘yung imbestigasyon if I’m entitled to an asylum status, and number two, non-prosecution for illegal entry,” he added. 

To recall, the former Palace mouthpiece reportedly left the country last year amid the Congressional probe into his alleged involvement in Lucky South 99 Corporation, a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

He is facing human trafficking charges for his alleged involvement in the POGO firm. He also has an outstanding contempt order from the House of Representatives for repeatedly failing to attend its mega committee hearings.

Roque stressed that he could not come back to the Philippines as he intends to “defend” Duterte, who is currently in The Hague due to his alleged crimes against humanity in relation to his drug war.

“I have repeatedly said that I am not running from it. I expect the Supreme Court will decide on the matter and I will abide by it,” he said.

“I’m sorry, I cannot come home. I have to defend my president,” he said.

Roque also said that his petition challenging the validity of the lower chamber’s investigation into his alleged involvement in the raided POGO hub in Pampanga remains pending before the Supreme Court.

Roque clarified that he is “not a fugitive,” stressing that the arrest warrant issued by the House of Representatives was for his repeated failure to attend its hearings. 

“I did not do any crimes that became the basis of the warrant of arrest by the legislative branch,” he said.