Roque hairdo betrays old snap with envoy

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro sought clarification on a circulating photo of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque with Philippine Ambassador to Austria and Slovakia Evangelina Lourdes “Luli” Arroyo-Bernas.

“I was alarmed, personally I was alarmed,” Castro said.

Roque is considered a fugitive in connection with a qualified human trafficking case linked to a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub in Porac, Pampanga.

Castro said the photo was taken in 2023.

“It doesn’t look like he’s the current Harry Roque that’s reflected in the picture, he’s still quite healthy and his hairdo is still in good shape,” she said.

Castro said she asked Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro about the photo.

“According to Secretary Tess Lazaro herself, that photo is from 2023 and since then, Secretary Harry Roque has not visited the said place and the said official. So that’s not the latest photo,” she said.

Castro said there is still no update on the whereabouts of Roque and former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who are both believed to be hiding from authorities overseas.