Sal Panelo, sinopla pahayag ni Roque ukol pagiging biktima raw ng huli ng “political persecution”

- Atty. Salvador “Sal” Panelo, in an interview over One News’ “Morning Matters” Friday, May 16, disputed Atty. Harry Roque’s claim of being a victim of political persecution

- The the former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel asserted that charges against Atty. Roque stemmed from his own statements in a congressional hearing, not political motives

- It can be recalled that a Regional Trial Court in Angeles, Pampanga, issued a warrant of arrest against Roque related to qualified human traff1cking and alleged links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)

- Atty. Panelo urged Atty. Roque to face the charges against him, emphasizing that the latter’s own words contributed to the legal proceedings and calls for him to directly address the allegations

Salvador “Sal” Panelo, a former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under the Duterte administration, has publicly refuted claims of political persecution made by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, asserting that the legal charges against the latter stem directly from his own statements during a congressional hearing.

Atty. Sal Panelo’s remarks come in the wake of a warrant of arrest issued against Roque in connection with a qualified human traff1cking case related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In an interview on One News’ “Morning Matters” on Friday, Atty. Panelo addressed Roque’s assertions that he is a victim of political persecution.

“Marami siyang contradiction at inconsistencies… kaya siya nademanda e. Galing mismo sa kanya,” (He has many contradictions and inconsistencies... that's why he was charged. It came from him directly,) the former stated, implying that Roque's own words contributed to the legal proceedings.

Atty. Panelo urged Roque to face the charges and address the allegations directly.

It can be recalled that the Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles, Pampanga, issued the warrant of arrest against Roque and Cassandra Ong on Thursday, May 16.

The case pertains to qualified human traff1cking, and the allegations link Roque and Ong to activities associated with POGOs.

Roque, who is currently in the Netherlands, has reportedly sought asylum, citing political persecution as the reason for his departure. This move has drawn varied reactions from the public and legal observers.

Panelo’s statements challenge Roque’s narrative, emphasizing that the legal issues are rooted in Roque’s own testimony.

This perspective suggests that the charges are a direct result of Roque’s actions and words, rather than politically motivated.

The legal proceedings against Roque have generated significant public interest, with discussions focusing on the implications for accountability and due process. The case has also ignited debates about the regulation of POGOs and their associated activities.

The warrant of arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing legal saga. Authorities are expected to pursue the matter further, and the outcome of the case will likely have implications for the regulation of POGOs and the legal accountability of public figures.

The ongoing legal proceedings add another layer of complexity to the discussions surrounding POGOs in the Philippines. The public awaits further developments as the legal process unfolds.

Atty. Salvador "Sal" Panelo is a Filipino lawyer, politician, and former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel of the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte. He also served as Presidential Spokesperson from 2018 to 2020, succeeding Harry Roque.

Previously, Atty. Panelo also issued a strong statement against Senator Imee Marcos. The message was taken in front of press people where Atty. Panelo was asked a question involving Senator Imee. One of the press people asked Panelo what his thoughts was about the recently issued statement about the senator about being unable to join a campaign rally in Tacloban because she couldn't accept what happened to former president Rodrigo Duterte. Panelo first sang a song with the lines, "Balatkayo pa nga..." then he straightforwardly said, "Bolahin mo lelang mo."

Meanwhile last year, Gretchen Barretto, a Filipina socialite, was recently spotted serenading Sal Panelo. On Thursday, September 19, Gretchen's makeup artist, Dennis Santos, posted the video. As seen in the viral video, Gretchen gave a speech before belting a song for everyone. All caught on camera was Gretchen singing passionately for Sal, which went viral.

Source: KAMI.com.gh