THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS—Former Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has surfaced in the Netherlands, announcing his intention to seek political asylum amid mounting legal challenges in the Philippines.
Roque, known for his unwavering defense of former President Rodrigo Duterte, claims he is being persecuted for his role in countering the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) probe into Duterte’s controversial drug war.
“I am formally filing for asylum here in the Netherlands. As soon as I submit my application, I will be entitled to rights under the principle of non-refoulement,” Roque stated in a virtual press conference on March 17, 2025. The principle of non-refoulement is an international doctrine that prevents asylum seekers from being deported to a country where they might face persecution or harm.
His sudden appearance in The Hague—home to the ICC—has raised questions about how he managed to leave the Philippines despite being under investigation and subject to legal restrictions. Philippine authorities are now investigating his departure while pursuing cases against him related to illegal gambling, human trafficking, and obstruction of justice.
From Human Rights Lawyer to Duterte’s Fiercest Defender
Roque’s career has been marked by dramatic shifts in ideology. Once a renowned human rights lawyer, he was a vocal critic of the Arroyo and Aquino administrations and an advocate for press freedom and transparency. However, his trajectory took a sharp turn when he became Duterte’s presidential spokesperson (2017–2018, 2020–2021).
During his tenure, Roque became one of the most visible and combative defenders of Duterte’s policies, including the violent war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. His firm stance against the ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s administration made him a central figure in the government’s efforts to discredit the court.
Despite previously teaching international law, Roque became one of the ICC’s harshest critics, calling its probe against Duterte “illegal and politically motivated.”
Now, as Duterte faces possible prosecution at The Hague, Roque is positioning himself as the former president’s legal champion abroad—but at the cost of his own legal troubles back home.
Legal Troubles in the Philippines
Roque’s bid for asylum comes as multiple criminal cases against him escalate in the Philippines. Among the most serious is his alleged involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)—a controversial industry that has been linked to money laundering, human trafficking, and organized crime.
POGO Scandal and Human Trafficking Allegations
In October 2024, Roque was implicated in a qualified human trafficking case related to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. The hub was raided by authorities following reports of illegal detention and exploitation of foreign workers, primarily from China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Investigators claim Roque used his influence to protect the gambling hub’s operations and allegedly profited from illicit activities linked to the facility. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that criminal charges are being prepared against him and other high-profile figures involved.
Contempt of Congress and Flight from the Philippines
In September 2024, the House Quad Committee cited Roque in contempt for failing to submit financial documents explaining his sudden increase in wealth. Lawmakers accused him of obstructing investigations into government corruption and illegal POGO operations. The contempt citation came with an immediate detention order, but Roque managed to evade authorities.
In August 2024, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Roque, restricting his ability to leave the country. However, his sudden reappearance in the Netherlands suggests he may have used unofficial channels to flee. Investigators suspect he traveled through unregulated maritime routes—a method reportedly used by other high-profile fugitives in recent years.
Government Response: No Political Persecution
The Malacañang Palace has denied Roque’s claims that he is being politically persecuted.
“There is no political persecution here. If he believes in his innocence, he should face the charges in court,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration is conducting a full investigation into how Roque was able to leave the country undetected. The government has indicated that it will pursue all legal and diplomatic channels to hold him accountable.
Crossroads: Will Roque Secure Asylum or Face Prosecution?
Roque’s asylum request is now under review by Dutch authorities, who will determine whether he qualifies for protection under international law. Given his ties to Duterte and the ongoing criminal investigations against him, his application is expected to face significant challenges.
If granted asylum, Roque could remain in the Netherlands, potentially acting as a key figure in Duterte’s legal defense against the ICC. However, if denied, he could face extradition or deportation back to the Philippines, where multiple criminal and congressional cases await him.
The Philippine government has made it clear that his asylum bid does not absolve him of legal responsibility. Authorities are already working to track his departure and have vowed to exhaust all options to ensure his return and prosecution.
As Roque awaits the Dutch government’s decision, his fate remains uncertain—will he find refuge in Europe, or will he be forced to return and confront the law in the Philippines? The coming weeks will determine whether he can escape justice or finally be held accountable.
A Political Escape or a Genuine Asylum Case?
Roque’s sudden asylum bid raises critical questions about political accountability, legal maneuvering, and international justice. Is he a persecuted political figure, as he claims, or is he merely evading accountability for his alleged crimes?
His case will serve as a litmus test for the Philippines’ ability to prosecute high-profile officials, as well as for the Netherlands’ stance on asylum for politically connected figures facing criminal investigations.
