Cancellation of Roque’s passport underway –DOJ

Former presidential spokesperson Harrry Roque (File Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Benjamin Pulta, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs is moving to cancel the passport of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Remulla said the cancellation of Roque’s passport would limit his options abroad.

“Syempre (Of course) it would limit his options. I think he holds two or three passports pa nga, may nagsabi sa ’kin ng ganu’n (so I heard). Ang mahalaga, talagang mapilitan siyang mag-account sa kanyang mga ginawa dito at depensahan niya ang sarili niya (What is important is that he would be forced to account for what he allegedly did here and defend himself),” he said.

“Hindi pa nga nagsisimula ang lahat, tinatakasan na niya. Sa batas natin, flight is an indication of guilt. Kaya sana harapin niya na lang para naman maging madali ang lahat para sa ating bansa (The process has not even started, yet he has already decided to abscond. Under our law, flight is an indication of guilty. So, we hope he faces the charges to make it easier for our country).”

Roque, who is facing qualified human trafficking charges over his alleged involvement in a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, is seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.

Remulla said that without a valid passport, Roque will be considered an undocumented alien and will be deported if the Dutch government decides not to grant asylum.

“Pero (But) I doubt it (asylum) kasi (because) Netherlands is one of the countries that opposes human trafficking, which is the charge against Harry Roque.”

Meanwhile, Remulla said hold departure orders have already been issued against Roque’s co-accused to prevent them from leaving the country.

“Kasi maraming foreigners na involved, kailangan sila sa korte kasi sila ‘yung accused sa krimen. ‘Pag ‘di mo hinold departure order ‘yan, tatakas ‘yan. Syempre (There are a number of foreigners involved and we really need them to face the charges in court. If a hold departure order is not issued, they would escape. Of course) that’s the natural predisposition –to go to a safer place– or they will not be made to account for their wrongdoings,” he said.