Leila de Lima Calls for Roque’s Return Amid Legal Charges
Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima has publicly urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and confront the charges he faces. Her appeal came during the Commission on Elections’ proclamation of party-list winners for the 2025 national and local elections.
De Lima emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, “Ang pinakamensahe ko lang sa kanya, bumalik na sya dito. Harapin niya, harapin niya yung mga akusasyon laban sa kanya. Huwag siya dapat nagtatago sa ibang bansa o… under the application for asylum ay ganun na lang [na] hindi siya babalik dito para harapin.”
This translates to her urging Roque to stop hiding abroad under the pretense of seeking asylum and to face the accusations instead.
Legal Implications and Reminder of Accountability
De Lima, a former justice secretary and senator, also reminded Roque that fleeing is often seen as an admission of guilt. “May warrant of arrest na at alam naman niya yan bilang isang abogado na there is such a principle or a dictum in law that flight is indicative of guilt. So dapat harapin niya,” she added.
In English, she pointed out that Roque, as a lawyer, should understand that avoiding the law does not absolve him but rather signals guilt. She insisted that he should confront the charges filed against him.
Background on the Charges Against Roque
The Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 118 recently issued a warrant of arrest against Roque and 49 others. They are charged with qualified human trafficking linked to an alleged scam operation run by the company Lucky South 99.
Roque, known to be a vocal critic of De Lima, is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands. He made headlines when he appeared in The Hague following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year.
Political Context and Party-List Victory
De Lima is the first nominee of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list, which secured a win in the 2025 elections. Her statement reflects ongoing political tensions and legal battles involving prominent figures in the country.
Her call for Roque to return underscores a broader message about the rule of law and facing justice regardless of political differences.
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