DFA moves to cancel Roque’s passport

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Monday the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has formally moved to cancel the passport of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque following the filing of a qualified trafficking case against him earlier this month.

Roque is currently in the Netherlands where he is reportedly seeking asylum. But with the cancellation of his passport, his options to remain abroad could be severely limited.

Remulla emphasized the importance of a hold-departure order (HDO) in preventing accused individuals from fleeing the country to avoid facing trial. The HDO has long been a key tool in the Philippines’ legal system to ensure that those involved in ongoing investigations or prosecutions remain within the country.

“Many foreigners are involved in this case, so it’s crucial that they don’t leave because they are needed in court,” Remulla said in an interview. “Without a hold-departure order, the natural tendency is to escape to a safer place where they won’t be held accountable.”

He clarified that an HDO and related travel restrictions are not meant to broadly infringe on the freedom of movement but are specifically designed to ensure that individuals with pending legal obligations fulfill them.

“When you have obligations before Philippine courts, you lose the right to travel freely,” he said.

While Roque’s passport may be canceled, Remulla revealed the former spokesman may have multiple passports. But canceling at least one would drastically limit his mobility and force him to return to the country and face the charges, he said.

“If his passport is canceled, he’ll become an undocumented alien in the Netherlands, which could lead to his deportation if his asylum claim is rejected,” Remulla said. “Considering the Netherlands’ strong stance against human trafficking — the charge Roque is facing — I doubt they will grant him asylum.”

The formal request to cancel Roque’s passport was submitted by the Department of Justice to the DFA on 23 May.

“Things haven’t even started in court, and yet he’s already trying to run. Under our laws, flight is considered an indication of guilt,” Remulla noted. “I hope he just faces the charges so it will be easier for everyone.”

Roque, once a prominent presidential spokesman and lawyer, is facing serious allegations linked to the illegal operation of online gambling companies Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99.

These companies are accused of forced labor and human trafficking, particularly involving the recruitment and detention of foreign workers under debt bondage, and even kidnapping, tied to gambling debts.

Prosecutors allege that Roque, as legal counsel for Whirlwind Corporation, assisted the illicit operations by facilitating the renewal of Whirlwind’s lessee Lucky South 99’s gaming license.

Despite his purported knowledge —or willful ignorance — of the companies’ illegal activities, Roque allegedly helped the companies continue with their operations.

The charges have thrust Roque into a legal quagmire, prompting the government to take decisive steps to ensure that he will not escape justice.

At present, it is uncertain how the Dutch authorities will respond to Roque’s asylum request and whether he will be deported back to the Philippines to face trial.

Remulla’s statement underscores the government’s firm stance: accountability will be pursued regardless of where the accused might attempt to flee.