Palace shrugs off Roque’s asylum move: ‘Merely filing a petition’

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, emphasizing that he has no valid reason to seek asylum abroad.

“He is merely filing a petition, and it has yet to be granted. Before it can be approved, he must prove that he has 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 the raid on the facility in Porac, Pampanga reportedly tie him to the company’s dealings, including a lease contract with a key figure in the operation.

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

His asylum bid has fueled speculation that he is attempting to evade legal consequences. Castro maintained that Roque’s situation does not meet the criteria for political persecution, as he is being investigated for criminal activities rather than political dissent.

No warrant 'yet'

When asked whether Roque’s situation would change if a formal arrest warrant were issued, Castro acknowledged that it would alter the legal landscape.

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

Roque has claimed that his work at the International Criminal Court (ICC) makes him a political target, but the Palace maintains that his legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations rather than his political affiliations.

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

Filipinos in Europe condemn asylum bid

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

Roque announced on 17 March that he would apply for asylum in the Netherlands, where former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained for alleged 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 in an interview, though he clarified that he had entered the Netherlands legally with a visa.

In a statement sent 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 and anywhere else outside the Philippines," the group stated.

Roque’s troubles

The former presidential spokesperson is facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over his alleged role in illegal POGO operations.

Before his arrival in the Netherlands, Roque had gone into hiding after the House of Representatives Quad Committee issued an arrest order against him for contempt, citing his failure to submit documents explaining his sudden increase in wealth.

Roque previously disclosed that Duterte’s legal team includes himself, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and British lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, whom he said is a listed counsel at the ICC.

On 11 March, authorities served a warrant of arrest from the ICC against Duterte for murder charges as a crime against humanity, 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 14 March via video link.