DFA Clarifies Passport Status of Harry Roque
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque holds only one valid regular Philippine passport. This clarification comes amid reports suggesting otherwise.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the DFA emphasized that Roque’s other passports, both regular and diplomatic, have been officially canceled following government rules. The agency reminded the public that Filipino citizens are allowed only one active regular passport at a time, except for government officials who may have additional official or diplomatic passports for official travel.
The DFA’s passport database shows that Roque’s current passport was issued in July 2024 and remains valid until July 2034. His previous 10-year passport from 2019, which was supposed to be valid until 2029, was canceled upon issuance of the new passport. Roque explained that he replaced his earlier regular passport because it had run out of blank pages despite still being valid.
Details on Diplomatic Passport and Legal Issues
As part of his role as presidential spokesperson, Roque held a diplomatic passport from December 2017 until December 2022. However, that passport is no longer valid.
This confirmation was issued after the Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary alleged that Roque possessed two to three passports and that the DOJ requested the cancellation of his passports due to a pending nonbailable case.
Earlier this month, a regional court ordered Roque’s arrest following charges linking him to qualified human trafficking and multiple counts of human trafficking related to the illegal operations of a Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Pampanga. The site was previously raided and shut down amid accusations of torture, human trafficking, and scams.
Current Situation and Asylum Application
Roque is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, claiming political persecution tied to his association with the Duterte family under the current administration. As part of the asylum process, his valid regular passport is now with Dutch authorities.
Local experts note that the DFA’s clarification aims to address public confusion and reinforce passport regulations for Filipino citizens.
For more news and updates on Philippine passport status, visit Filipinokami.com.