Malacañang Palace on Thursday defended Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla from accusations by former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who claimed the DOJ chief was spreading fake news.

The row stems from Remulla’s recent statement that the Netherlands had denied Roque’s request for asylum, and that Roque was now seeking the same in Germany.

Roque countered the claim, saying his trip to Germany had been planned and that he had already returned to The Hague. He added that he is currently in the Netherlands to support former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained by the International Criminal Court.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stood by Remulla, noting that the DOJ’s information came from credible intelligence sources.

“Let's not forget that the Department of Justice has intelligence assets and they provide the relevant information to the Department of Justice,” she said.

She also taunted Roque by saying the government and the Department of Justice is prepared to face Roque.

“And we are grateful because Atty. Harry Roque has been telegraphing his punches, and the government and DOJ, we are ready for you,” the Palace official said.

Last month, an Angeles City court issued a warrant of arrest against Roque and 40 others for qualified human trafficking and multiple counts of human trafficking, tied to their alleged involvement in the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations hub.

The DOJ has also filed a petition to cancel Roque’s passport.