PALACE Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro today dismissed allegations of political persecution against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who recently sought asylum in the Netherlands. Castro stated at a press briefing that the evidence against Roque is “overwhelming,” refuting claims that his asylum application is justified.
Castro argued that Roque’s asylum petition is unlikely to succeed. She emphasized that the petition requires a demonstration of “well-founded fear of political persecution,” a condition she believes Roque cannot meet given the strength of the evidence against him. “Before it will be granted, he should show that there is a well-founded fear of political persecution,” Castro explained. She further asserted that the existence of substantial evidence negates any claim of political motivation.
The Undersecretary urged Roque to return to the Philippines and face the charges against him. “He should just face his cases here. It would be better to show the people that he is not guilty,” Castro stated. These charges stem from a September 2024 House Quad Committee citation for contempt, which ordered Roque’s detention for refusing to provide documents related to his increased wealth. An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order was also issued against Roque and 11 others in August.
Regarding Roque’s asylum claim, the Palace currently sees no need to involve Interpol. Castro indicated that the government is not yet pursuing international cooperation to secure Roque’s return from the Netherlands.
The Palace’s firm stance reflects its confidence in the legal process and its rejection of Roque’s assertion of political persecution. The situation remains unresolved, with Roque’s asylum application pending and the legal proceedings in the Philippines continuing.
