Harry Roque’s Legal Strategy Amid Human Trafficking Case
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque recently shared his plans as he faces a human trafficking case. Sources said Roque is currently weighing his options, including waiting for judicial relief or surrendering to the Philippine government to file a petition for bail.
Roque, who has been residing in the Netherlands for six months, explained in an interview with a journalist that he continues to pursue judicial remedies. “Well, of course, I continue to avail of judicial reliefs. They filed a nonbailable case against me, and all the reliefs that I’m availing of do not require my physical attendance in the Philippines,” he said.
Considering Surrender and Bail Petition
Officials reported that Roque’s alternative plan involves surrendering to authorities and filing a bail petition. He noted this process could take six months to a year, during which he might face incarceration under what he described as torturous conditions. “The alternative is to surrender and file a petition for bail, which would probably take anywhere from six months to one year, and be incarcerated in what I have argued in one of my pleadings in the Supreme Court to be torturous conditions,” Roque pointed out.
He further expressed hope for a change in the political landscape, stating, “So the plan is to wait for judicial relief, and secondly, wait for hopefully the end of the Marcos regime, which I hope will happen earlier than 2028.”
Outstanding Warrant and Legal Challenges
Community members said Roque confirmed that surrendering means turning himself over to the Philippine government due to an outstanding warrant for a nonbailable offense related to syndicated trafficking. “Yes, because I have an outstanding warrant for a nonbailable offense for a charge of syndicated trafficking with no person claiming I recruited them. It’s really a very odd case,” he remarked.
When asked if surrender would be his only option if he returns to the country, Roque replied, “Of course, because there’s an outstanding warrant of arrest, and there’s no way I can enjoy any form of liberty, given that warrant of arrest, and until I can file for bail, then I would have to be behind bars.”
Details of the Human Trafficking Case
Local leaders noted that the case against Roque and several others involves alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The charges stem from their supposed involvement in operations linked to the Philippine offshore gaming operator Lucky South 99, which is accused of being a scam hub located in Porac, Pampanga.
Clarification on Asylum Application Status
Roque also addressed rumors regarding his asylum application in the Netherlands. He clarified that his asylum request has not been rejected and remains pending. “No, not true at all. I’ve corrected that already, many, many times. And of course, there’s a Dutch man who keeps on saying I’ve been rejected, and my response is, ‘How many times can you be rejected?’ Come on,” he explained.
For more news and updates on human trafficking case, visit Filipinokami.com.
