Palace to Roque’s dare: ‘Wait and see’

Malacañang on Friday told former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque to “wait and see” regarding when the government will initiate efforts to bring him back to the Philippines.

"If what he’s saying is, ‘come and get me,’ then according to our government, it’s ‘wait and see,’” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in response to Roque’s recent dare for the Philippine government to come after him while he is in Europe.

Castro said the administration is not rushing to act, emphasizing that official processes must first be in motion.

She noted that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is still waiting for formal notice regarding Roque's asylum application.

She also advised Roque not to dismiss the intelligence reports the government has received about him.

Castro added that the DOJ has deployed intelligence resources to monitor Roque's political asylum bid.

Roque is currently facing charges of qualified human trafficking in connection with his alleged involvement with the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) Lucky South 99.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier claimed that Roque’s initial asylum application in the Netherlands was denied, and that he has since applied for asylum in Germany.

Roque, however, denied the claim and accused Remulla of spreading misinformation.

“I am not surprised that the Marcos Jr. administration, through the DOJ, has become a purveyor of fake news. That’s strike two for the DOJ Secretary. First, he claimed I supposedly have multiple passports. Now, he’s saying my asylum was denied,” Roque said.

He clarified that his trip to Germany was planned and that he has since returned to The Hague.