Not political persecution: Palace says no basis for Harry Roque asylum plea

Following reports that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum bid was denied, the Palace reiterated that there was no basis for his petition, saying that he was not politically persecuted.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday said in a press conference that Roque’s asylum bid had been denied, but said he would need to further confirm details. Roque would later deny Remulla’s claim.

Asked about the matter in a press conference, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that she has not been able to speak to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. about the development. However, she reiterated the Palace’s previous position on Roque’s bid.

“Even before…sinasabi naman po na ang paniniwala ng PCO (Presidential Communications Office) ay wala pong batayan ang ginawang request ni Harry Roque, na sinasabing political persecution lang ang ginagawa sa kanya,” Castro said.

(Even before…the PCO has been stating its belief that Harry Roque’s request had no basis, that what was being done to him was political persecution.)

Castro said the case against Roque was clear. The former presidential spokesperson was not just facing a qualified human trafficking case, but he also has tax evasion and land-grabbing cases.

“So, hindi ito political persecution, records ang nagsasalita dito, ebidensiya ang nagsusumigaw,” Castro said. (So, this is not political persecution, these are records talking, the evidence is shouting.)

Roque is currently sought by authorities for his alleged role in human trafficking operations involving a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. —RF, GMA News