Former Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has announced his decision to seek political asylum in the Netherlands.
Roque, a lawyer and ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, made the statement during a press conference in The Hague, revealing that he has been evading Philippine authorities for months.
Roque faces an arrest order from the Philippine House of Representatives and allegations of ties to illegal offshore gaming operations. He cited these charges as the primary reasons for seeking asylum.
“As soon as my application for asylum is received, I do have rights to non-refoulement. Non-refoulement under international law means, number one, non-deportation until matapos ‘yung imbestigasyon (until after the investigation is over). If I’m entitled to asylum status, and number two, non-prosecution for illegal entry.”
Ties to Duterte and ICC Representation
Roque’s announcement comes after he appeared alongside Vice President Sara Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where former President Duterte is detained on charges related to his drug war.
He has declared his intention to serve as one of Duterte’s counsels at the ICC, stating that this role makes it impossible for him to return to the Philippines.
House of Representatives Orders His Arrest
In Manila, the House of Representatives has cited Roque in contempt and ordered his arrest as part of its investigation into scam hubs.
The government has even launched the “#BringHomeRoque” campaign, calling for his immediate return.
Despite these developments, no court-issued hold departure order exists against Roque, and reports suggest he has recently been in Dubai and China before arriving in the Netherlands.
Roque will officially file his asylum application with Dutch authorities, whose decision will ultimately determine whether he can remain in the country.
