Remulla on Roque: Non-entity in Duterte ICC case, should face issues in PH

Metro Manila, Philippines - Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla dared Harry Roque to return to the Philippines to face accusations of human trafficking instead of trying to seek political asylum in the Netherlands.

Roque resurfaced in public in the Netherlands after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity of murder over drug war killings.

“Actually, he’s a non-entity in this drama,” Remulla said in a briefing on Wednesday, March 19. “He’s the one trying to put his face in the picture.”

Roque cited “political persecution” as the main reason for seeking asylum, in particular, efforts in congressional hearings linking him to illegal offshore gaming operations.

RELATED: No political persecution on Harry Roque – Palace

Aside from an arrest order from the House of Representatives quad-committee, Roque is facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice related to illegal offshore gaming operations in Porac, Pampanga.

“Harapin niya kung ano mang sinasakdal sa kanya. Harapin niya diba? Magka-Pilipino siya [nang] maayos,” Remulla said in a forum on Wednesday, March 19.

[Translation: He should face the complaints. He should act properly as a Filipino.]

“Wala pa ngang nangyayari, tumatakas na siya, eh, harapin niya, abogado pa naman siya, hindi siya sumusunod sa batas,” he added.

[Translation: He is evading from nothing. He should face the complaints. He is a lawyer and he is not following the law.]

Asked if the DOJ will begin proceedings to cancel Roque’s passport, Remulla said this would only be done when a case has been filed.

The justice secretary said the agency is still waiting on the resolution of a panel of state prosecutors on the complaints, but he said it would come out “very soon.”