Harry Roque, planong humingi ng asylum sa Netherlands: “I do have rights to non-refoulement”
- Atty. Harry Roque will be seeking asylum in the Netherlands
- The former presidential spokesperson himself made the declaration in a recent online press conference
- He said that if his asylum status is approved, he cannot be deported to the Philippines
- Atty. Roque also said that he cannot come home as he has to defend former president Rodrigo Duterte
MAKI-TINGIN KA NAMAN: Pwede ka nang mag-comment sa mga artikulo ng KAMI! Subukan mo, madali lang!
Atty. Harry Roque, the former presidential spokesperson during the Duterte administration, has announced his intention to seek asylum in the Netherlands.
Source: Instagram
He cited his commitment to defending former President Rodrigo Duterte in ongoing legal proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Roque made this declaration during a press conference, responding to questions about his potential return to the Philippines.
“Well, I’m formally announcing that after a meeting today, I’m formally filing for asylum here at the Netherlands. As soon as my application of asylum is received, I do have rights to non-refoulement,” Atty. Roque said.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app!
Roque stated that he will file his asylum application immediately, emphasizing that he entered the Netherlands legally with a Schengen visa.
“Non-refoulement under the international law means number one, non-deportation until matapos ‘yung imbestigasyon if I’m entitled to an asylum status, and number two, non-prosecution for illegal entry,” he added.
He outlined the protections afforded to asylum seekers under international law, including non-deportation during the asylum process and immunity from prosecution for illegal entry.
“There’s a whole procedure that I need to comply with] before they give me proof that I am an asylum seeker and a temporary residence in the Netherlands, as soon as they receive my application for asylum,” the former presidential spokesperson also said.
This announcement follows recent comments from Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, who challenged Roque to return to the Philippines.
Castro's remarks came after Roque's presence in The Hague surfaced, amidst allegations linking him to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Roque countered that he cannot return to the Philippines due to his role in defending Duterte at the ICC.
He clarified that he is part of Duterte's legal counsel, which also includes former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and British barrister Nicholas Kaufman.
“I’m sorry I cannot come home, I have to defend my president,” he pointed out.
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant against Duterte, charging him with murder as a crime against humanity in connection with his administration's war on drug$.
Duterte is currently detained at the ICC prison in The Hague and recently made his first appearance before the court via video link.
Roque refuted claims that he is a fugitive, asserting that he has not committed any crimes and no court has issued an arrest warrant against him.
He distinguished between an arrest warrant issued by a court and a congressional order for a resource person to attend a hearing and submit documents.
“Fake news po ‘yung sinasabi nilang pugante ako dahil ang pugante po ay tumatakas sa isang arrest warrant na inissue ng isang hukuman. Ang arrest warrant na inissue ng Kongreso ay para lang sa isang resource person para dumalo sa isang pagpupulong at pagsumite ng mga dokumento,” Atty. Roque said.
It can be recalled that in September of 2024, the House Quad Committee cited Roque in contempt and ordered his detention after he refused to submit documents related to his financial affairs.
An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order had also been issued against Roque and 11 others in August.
The decision to seek asylum highlights the complex legal and political landscape surrounding the ICC proceedings against Duterte and the individuals involved.
Roque's actions underscore the international dimensions of the case and the potential for further legal challenges.
Harry Roque is a Filipino lawyer and politician. He was the presidential spokesperson during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Before entering politics, he used to be a professor in law school.
Recently in a statement, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque revealed that they already know who betrayed former President Rodrigo Duterte. It is confirmed that Roque is among Duterte's lawyers in his appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Roque left the Philippines after Congress issued an arrest order against him for contempt. Roque called on the ICC to clarify the issue of jurisdiction before Duterte faces the confirmation of charges in September.
It can be recalled that Atty. Roque faced the House's arrest warrant after he was cited for contempt. He called the action of the congressmen investigating POGO operations 'power tripping. He did not attend the hearing and did not submit documents regarding his family's wealth. Roque declared that the arrest order is illegal and that he will question it before the Supreme Court.
Bagong feature: Tingnan ang mga balitang para sa'yo ➡️ hanapin ang "Recommended for you" block at mag-enjoy!
Proofreading by Josh Medina, copy editor at KAMI.com.gh.
Source: KAMI.com.gh
