Malacañang Refutes Political Persecution Claims
Malacañang has firmly denied former presidential spokesman Harry Roque’s allegations of political persecution by the Marcos administration. This comes after a local court issued a valid warrant of arrest against him. The warrant relates to a serious criminal case that has drawn public attention.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro emphasized the legitimacy of the warrant, countering Roque’s defense that he is being unfairly targeted. Castro criticized Roque for not providing the documents meant to clarify his increased wealth, which he promised during last year’s congressional hearing.
“‘Yan po naman talaga ang kanyang magiging naratibo, kanyang depensa, pero hindi po niya sinasagot nang mabuti kung nasaan po ‘yung mga dokumentong kanyang ipinangako sa House of Representatives at the time na nagkaroon po ng hearing sa Quad Comm. Hindi po niya natutugunan ‘yun at kung ano man ‘yung mga sinasabing di umano hidden wealth niya ay hindi pa rin po niya natutugunan, so paano po kayang magkakaroon ng political persecution?” Castro said.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Explained
The court issued the warrant in connection with a qualified human trafficking case. Castro stressed, “At tandaan po natin, korte mismo ang nag-issue ng valid warrant of arrest patungkol po sa kaso ng qualified human trafficking.” This highlights the judicial authority behind the arrest order.
Warrants of arrest have also been issued for Cassandra Ong and 48 others related to the alleged operations of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raided in Porac, Pampanga. The Angeles Regional Trial Court Branch 118 issued these warrants on Thursday.
The accused face 11 separate charges for violations of Republic Act 9208, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. This comprehensive law targets human trafficking offenses, underlining the gravity of the allegations.
Roque’s Response to the Allegations
Roque has denied all accusations, insisting he never served as legal counsel for any illegal POGO, including Lucky South 99. He explained that his involvement was limited to accompanying Ong to a meeting, believing she was a victim of estafa.
Prior to resurfacing in The Hague after the arrest of a former president, Roque reportedly left the Philippines amid congressional inquiries into his supposed ties with Lucky South 99. The House Quad Committee cited him in contempt and ordered his detention on September 13 for refusing to submit documents explaining his increased wealth.
Currently, Roque is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, maintaining that he is a victim of political persecution due to his association with the Duterte family. Nevertheless, authorities maintain that the legal process is based on evidence and court rulings, not political motives.
For more updates on political persecution claims and related developments, visit Filipinokami.com.