DOJ probes Roque’s multiple passports

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque holds at least two to three Philippine passports, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

In an interview Tuesday, Remulla said Roque possesses two regular passports — a situation that is typically only acceptable for government officials who are issued both diplomatic and regular passports. Both passports are under the same name, he added.

“Same name… very similar, or maybe a difference in middle initial or second name… we don’t know yet,” Remulla said.

The DOJ filed a motion on Friday seeking the cancellation of Roque’s passports due to his continued refusal to return to the country despite an active arrest warrant.

Remulla labeled Roque a "fugitive" for leaving the country while undergoing preliminary investigation, and said the DOJ will investigate the case further in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Nothing yet [on how Roque obtained multiple passports]. We will ask the DFA about it because the DFA is responsible for that, not the DOJ, not Immigration, so we’ll ask the DFA,” he said.

Remulla also dismissed Roque’s repeated social media taunts challenging authorities to arrest him, saying that he’s just "seeking attention.”

Roque, along with co-accused Cassandra Ong and others, is wanted for alleged violations of Section 4(a) in relation to Section 6(c) of Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The charges stem from a DOJ complaint linking them to the scam operations of Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.