An administration lawmaker on Wednesday challenged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to provide free legal assistance to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were arrested in Qatar after holding illegal protests in support of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which he allegedly instigated.
Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre suggested that it would be best if Roque made the most out of his expertise in international law by assisting the Philippine government in securing the release of the said migrant workers, rather than coursing through the public with his appeal to Qatari authorities.
"He has no official business in the Netherlands. He is not part of the legal defense team there [of Duterte]. So, why doesn’t he just help our government ensure the safety and justice for OFWs detained in Qatar?" Acidre asserted.
Around 20 Filipinos were reportedly arrested by Qatari authorities in late March for allegedly participating in unauthorized political demonstrations in support of Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
Three of them, who are said to be minors, were already released, while 16 individuals remain in custody.
The lawmaker lamented that Roque’s appeal to the Qatari authorities is “useless,” unless he extends legal aid to the “poor” OFWs, whom he said were only victims of his plotted illegal political demonstration, which is strictly prohibited under Qatar's Law No. 18 of 2004.
“First and foremost, he does not have the legal personality to appeal. Second, he is a fugitive because of the contempt of the House, plus he has a human trafficking case due to POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators),” Acidre pointed out.
The Philippine government has responded by deploying embassy officials to coordinate with Qatari authorities and provide assistance to the detained individuals. Legal counsel is being arranged for those facing potential charges, as unauthorized gatherings in Qatar can lead to imprisonment of up to three years.
Acidre noted that while assistance from the government is already in place, additional legal support from private individuals like Roque, who have relevant expertise, could significantly amplify aid efforts.
Further, he urged Roque to utilize his network to raise funds to assist OFWs facing heavy financial burdens due to expensive legal fees abroad.
The lawmaker had criticized Roque’s pronouncement of seeking asylum in the Netherlands, deeming it a desperate attempt to evade accountability for his alleged involvement in offshore scam hubs or POGOs and related crimes, including human trafficking.
Roque made the move five months after a human trafficking case was filed against him and two others before the Department of Justice.
The complaint alleges that Roque exploited his position and influence to protect and enable criminal syndicates running offshore gambling hubs involved in criminal activities, such as human trafficking, cyber fraud, and money laundering, among others—accusations repeatedly denied by Duterte’s former mouthpiece.
POGO, which flourished during the Duterte administration, has been at the center of controversy after a series of congressional probes revealed the alleged involvement of police, government agencies, and politicians in the proliferation of illegal activities.
Roque was subject to an immigration lookout bulletin order as early as August. In September, he was cited in contempt and ordered arrested by the quad comm for repeatedly snubbing its summons to explain his ties with Lucky South 99 Corp., an illegal POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga, raided earlier this year over allegations of unlawful activities.
Later, he confirmed that he was already out of the Philippines and is currently in the United Arab Emirates.
The BI had categorically denied having a hand in Roque’s escape and claimed they are mulling filing cases against him. They suspect that he fled the country through illegal means, citing official records that there was no attempt that he left the country through formal channels.
At present, Roque is in The Hague and is expected to stay there for a few months following his asylum application to the Immigratie en Naturalisatie Dienst, the Netherlands’ immigration bureau.