De Lima Challenges Harry Roque to Face Legal Charges
Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima has publicly urged former presidential spokesman Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and confront the arrest warrant issued against him. This call came during her press briefing after her proclamation at Manila Hotel on Monday, May 19.
De Lima, who has been a vocal critic of Roque, delivered a clear message: “Bumalik na siya dito” (Just return here). She emphasized that Roque should not evade the legal process by staying abroad, especially since he was last spotted in The Hague, Netherlands.
“Ganoon na lang? Di siya babalik dito para harapin? May warrant of arrest na,” she questioned. Translated, this means, “Is that it? He will no longer return to the country even though there is a warrant against him.”
Legal Principles and Allegations Against Roque
De Lima pointed out that as a lawyer, Roque should understand the legal principle that fleeing from authorities often suggests guilt. “At alam niya naman yan. Bilang isang abogado, there is such a principle or dictum in law that flight is indicative of guilt,” she added.
The arrest warrant against Roque stems from a Pampanga court’s order related to alleged human trafficking charges. The case involves Lucky South 99 Corp., a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub raided in Porac. Roque, along with businesswoman Cassandra Ong and others, faces accusations under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
This law penalizes activities such as recruiting, transporting, or harboring individuals for forced labor, slavery, debt bondage, or involuntary servitude. The court found probable cause to charge Roque and his co-accused with violations of this act.
Context of Past Hostility Between De Lima and Roque
During the previous administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, when De Lima was jailed and Roque served as presidential spokesman, the two were known adversaries. At that time, Roque infamously wished De Lima a harsh fate, sarcastically stating, “As I said, happy anniversary on your first year of detention. May you spend the rest of your life in jail.”
Despite this tense history, De Lima remains firm in her stance that Roque must return and face the charges instead of seeking refuge abroad.
For more news and updates on human trafficking allegations, visit Filipinokami.com.