Palace Responds to Harry Roque’s Return Question
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has urged former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque to “wait and see” regarding the government’s plans to bring him back to the Philippines. This statement came after Roque inquired why the government has yet to facilitate his return from The Netherlands.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed Roque’s concerns during a briefing, emphasizing that the government is currently awaiting a formal notice about his asylum status. “According to the DOJ [Department of Justice], they are simply waiting for a formal notice regarding his asylum. If he is saying, ‘Come and get me,’ then the government’s response is: ‘Wait and see,’” Castro said in a mix of Filipino and English.
DOJ’s Stand on Roque’s Asylum and Government Moves
Castro also criticized Roque for dismissing the DOJ’s announcement about his asylum application rejection as “fake news.” She warned him not to underestimate the Department of Justice’s intelligence and resources. “He should not underestimate the intelligence and assets of the DOJ, and we will not telegraph the government’s moves the way he does,” she added.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that Roque’s asylum application in The Netherlands was denied. Reports indicate that Roque has submitted another asylum request, this time in Germany.
Roque Denies Asylum Claims, Accuses DOJ of Fake News
Roque, however, refuted these claims. He stated, “I am not surprised that the Marcos Jr. administration, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), has become a purveyor of fake news. That’s strike two for the DOJ Secretary. First, he claimed I supposedly have multiple passports. Now, he’s saying my asylum was denied.”
For more news and updates on Harry Roque, visit Filipinokami.com.