FORMER Surigao del Norte Rep. and Gov. Ace Barbers on Tuesday called on Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and face the cases filed against him following reports that the former presidential spokesperson’s asylum application had been rejected.
Barbers, spokesperson and adviser of the House prosecution team in Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial, made the statement during a post-trial press conference.
“Wala na siyang ibang rason,” he said, continuing, “He has to face all these charges against him dito sa atin.”
The statement came after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reportedly said that Roque’s asylum application in Austria had been denied. Barbers said Roque should return and address the issues raised during the House quad committee’s investigation into offshore gaming operations.
Roque has been linked to a human trafficking case involving the Lucky South 99 offshore gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga. He has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the case against him was politically motivated.
Barbers, who previously led the House quad committee, said Roque had committed to submitting documents requested during the hearings but failed to comply.
“Ikaw ang nangako, ikaw ang hindi tumupad sa pangako,” he said.
He also rejected Roque’s earlier claim that the quad committee was a “kangaroo court,” saying that the former presidential spokesperson was given opportunities to respond to the panel’s questions.
“He insulted the QuadCom,” Barbers said.
When asked whether the reported asylum denial weakened Roque’s claim of political persecution, Barbers said the investigation was focused on Roque’s alleged connection to the offshore gaming industry and his failure to provide requested documents.
“Ang mahalaga, sagutin mo kung ano yung kinalaman mo tungkol sa POGO na ito,” he said.
Barbers also questioned Roque’s claim that he was a political figure deserving of protection abroad, saying he should not view himself as a major political personality.
“Ang una kong advice sa kanya, please disabuse yourself from believing you’re an important political figure because you’re not,” he said.
“Wala nang charot-charot ito,” Barbers repeatedly said.
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