Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s announcement that he is seeking asylum in the Netherlands has been met with skepticism from Malacañang, which insists he has no grounds for claiming political persecution.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed Roque’s claim, stating that he has yet to prove that he faces political persecution.

“He is merely filing a petition, and it has yet to be granted. He must show a well-founded fear of political persecution,” Castro said. “We see no basis for that. If he truly has nothing to hide, he should come home and face the allegations against him.”

Roque has been linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99. Documents obtained during a raid in Porac, Pampanga, reportedly tie him to the company’s dealings, including a lease agreement with a key figure in the operation.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has stated that Roque’s name appears in testimonies and documents related to the illicit gaming network, though Roque has denied any involvement, calling the accusations politically motivated.

His asylum bid has sparked speculation that he is trying to evade legal consequences. Castro maintains that Roque’s situation does not qualify as political persecution, as he is under investigation for criminal activities, not political dissent.

No warrant yet

When asked if Roque’s situation would change if an arrest warrant were issued, Castro acknowledged that it would.

“His circumstances would be different if a court issues an arrest warrant,” she said. “For now, he is merely facing an investigation. There is no reason for him to seek refuge abroad.”

Roque has claimed that his work with the International Criminal Court (ICC) makes him a political target. However, Malacañang argues that his legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations, not his political affiliations.

“At the end of the day, if he is innocent, he should return and face the issue,” Castro stressed.

Criticism from Filipinos in Europe

Various progressive organizations in Europe have condemned Roque’s asylum bid, calling it a “grave insult” to legitimate Filipino political refugees.

Roque announced on Monday that he would apply for asylum in the Netherlands, where former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained on charges of crimes against humanity.

“Under international law, it means non-deportation until the investigation is finished if I’m entitled to asylum. Number two, non-prosecution for illegal entry,” Roque said, although he clarified that he entered the Netherlands legally with a visa.

In a statement to Daily Tribune, BAYAN Europe urged the Dutch government to reject Roque’s application, saying, “It is a grave insult to Filipino political refugees who have been forced to flee their homeland due to the very climate of impunity and terror that he helped justify and sustain.”

Rights watchdog Karapatan also called for the Dutch government to immediately deny Roque’s asylum request.

“Genuine asylum seekers are people facing violations of their rights from their home countries. Roque is more notoriously known as an opportunist accomplice of human rights violators like Duterte and thus should not be eligible for asylum in the Netherlands or anywhere else outside the Philippines,” the group stated.

Roque’s legal troubles

Roque faces human trafficking charges in the Department of Justice over his alleged role in illegal POGO operations. Before his arrival in the Netherlands, he had gone into hiding after the House of Representatives Quad Committee issued an arrest order for contempt, citing his failure to submit documents explaining his sudden wealth.

Roque, along with former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, is part of Duterte’s legal team. On 11 March, authorities served an arrest warrant from the ICC against Duterte for murder charges related to his deadly war on drugs, which reportedly resulted in at least 30,000 deaths.

Duterte remains in ICC custody in The Hague, Netherlands, where he made his first appearance before the court on March 14 via video link.