Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is one of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal counsels in his case at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Screengrab video from Harry Roque Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s plan to seek asylum in The Netherlands is a “desperate attempt to evade accountability” for his alleged ties to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), according to Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas.
Brosas issued the statement after Roque bared his plan during a press conference earlier Monday.
Brosas said, “Roque’s asylum bid is nothing but a mockery of justice and a slap in the face of the Filipino people.”
“It is obvious that he is using this process just to evade accountability,” she added. “Roque’s asylum bid is nothing but a pathetic attempt to dodge accountability. He’s not seeking refuge—he’s looking for an escape route.”
The lawmaker also likened Roque’s actions to other high-ranking officials “implicated in corruption cases.”
READ: Harry Roque to apply for asylum in The Netherlands
Brosas urged the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to coordinate with international authorities and ensure Roque faces the House of Representatives quad committee’s ongoing investigation into Pogos, specifically Roque’s “unexplained” wealth.
“Roque has a lot of explaining to do—from his ties to Lucky South 99 to his sudden ‘jackpot’ in wealth,” she said.
“Anyone involved in illegal Pogo operations must be held accountable, especially since we know of cases of human trafficking, prostitution, and other crimes that occur in Pogo hubs,” she added.
“This case exposes the deep-rooted corruption enabling these illegal Pogo operations. It’s not just Roque who should be investigated, but also those behind this operation and their protectors in the government,” she pointed out.
READ: Barbers clarifies: House probe targets Roque’s firms’ Pogo link, not him
READ: Harry Roque told: Man up, attend House hearing on Pogos
Roque on Monday said he would file the petition within the day.
He also said that once his asylum application is received, he would have the right to “non-deportation” until the investigation of whether he is entitled to such is done.
Roque would be granted “non-prosecution” for illegal entry into The Netherlands, but he maintained that he entered the country legally.
He is one of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal counsels.