Harry Roque a ‘non-entity’ in Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC case – Remulla

Member of Duterte’s lawyers team Harry Roque talks to journalists outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) ahead of the hearing of former Philippines’ president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague on March 14, 2025. Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday said former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is a “non-entity” in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Remulla made the pronouncement when asked about Roque’s role in The Hague or whether a case has also been filed against him before the ICC

“Actually, he’s a non-entity in this drama. He’s a non-entity. He’s the one trying to put his face in the picture. But he’s a non-entity as far as I’m concerned,” said Remulla in a Kapihan sa Manila briefing.

READ: Harry Roque not part of Duterte’s defense team at ICC – VP Sara

Regarding Roque’s application for asylum, Remulla once again reiterated that Duterte’s former spokesperson is “irrelevant.”

“He’s not even the issue… his issue is human trafficking,” said Remulla.

“We have nothing to do with him in politics, he has no place in politics. Let him face whatever charges are being brought against him,” he added.

Roque is currently facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) over his alleged “active participation” in the operations of the scam hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.

READ: House quad comm to summon DFA, BI over Harry Roque’s travel history

Remulla said the complaints are still under evaluation by a panel of prosecutors.

When asked if the DOJ would initiate proceedings to cancel Roque’s passport—especially after his appearance at The Hague to support Duterte—Remulla responded that this could only be done once a case has been formally filed against Roque.

“I don’t think that we want to violate anybody’s right to travel. But when the case is filed, then everything else will follow,” said Remulla.

Prior to his appearance in the Netherlands, Roque had been in hiding due to an arrest order from the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee, which cited him for contempt and ordered his detention for failing to submit documents that would supposedly justify his sudden increase in wealth.