As the former spokesperson of President Duterte, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque challenged the Malacañang office to confirm his statement that he is currently in The Hague, Netherlands. This follows Roque's declaration that he wishes to seek political asylum due to ‘political persecution’ that he believes he is facing. Roque also had issues last year related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
In a statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro challenged Roque to return to the Philippines and face the issues against him. According to Castro, there is a warrant for Roque's arrest from the House of Representatives after he was declared in contempt last year. However, Roque criticized Congress's decision not to act on this yet.
“But it might be better if we take the challenge to him to come home. Flight from congressional contempt, I wish to underscore, cannot be evidence of anything,” Roque said in a statement.
In a recent Senate hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked Roque where he currently is, prompting Roque to invoke his right to travel. Roque also stated that there is no warrant for his arrest. He further stated that he is being persecuted as a resource person and not as a criminal or fugitive.
“Isn’t there a call to ‘bring home FP Duterte’?” said a Malacañang official, referring to the call for Roque to return to the Philippines.
