Justice Department Probes Dual Passports of Harry Roque
Justice officials have expressed serious concern over the discovery that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque holds at least two regular passports. This unusual case has prompted the Department of Justice (DOJ) to initiate an investigation to uncover how Roque obtained multiple passports despite no longer holding a government position.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Roque, who resigned from his official role, is permitted to have only one regular passport. “‘Di bale sana kung opisyal pa rin s’ya, meron s’yang diplomatic tapos meron s’yang regular passport,” one official explained, underscoring that government officials may hold both a diplomatic and a regular passport, but this does not apply to former officials.
DOJ to Coordinate with Foreign Affairs on Passport Irregularities
The DOJ will collaborate closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to investigate the issuance of these multiple passports. Authorities intend to trace how such documents were processed and issued, aiming to determine if any rules were violated.
Further reports indicate that the DOJ has already filed a request to cancel Roque’s passport. This action was prompted after the Angeles City regional trial court issued an arrest order against him on charges related to non-bailable qualified human trafficking.
“Ibig sabihin we are petitioning for the cancelation of these passports kasi nga fugitive from the law na s’ya,” a DOJ source said, emphasizing that as a fugitive, Roque’s travel documents should be invalidated.
Details on Roque’s Departure and Asylum Request
Roque reportedly left the country late last year and openly admitted that he sought political asylum in the Netherlands. Officials believe he left the Philippines through Tawi-Tawi, likely using a boat or speedboat to reach Malaysia via Sipadan, Sabah.
“Sa Tawi-Tawi dumaan ‘yan. Malamang nagbangka o nagspeed boat papuntang Malaysia via Sipadan, Sabah,” a local authority shared, describing the probable escape route.
With the investigation underway, officials vow to delve deeper into how Roque managed to secure multiple passports and to hold accountable those responsible. This case highlights the importance of strict controls on passport issuance to prevent misuse.
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