Malacañang has called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines after accusing him of spreading false information linking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to illegal drug use.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the issue in a Palace press briefing on Monday, April 21, describing Roque as a “fake news peddler” for repeating unverified claims, including a supposed video of the President allegedly using cocaine.
“Si Atty. Harry Roque ay lumalabas na ngayon bilang isang fake news peddler,” Castro said.
She also criticized Roque for dragging Sen. Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, into the controversy, saying he has yet to present credible proof. “Wala pa siyang napapatunayan at wala siyang ebidensya,” she added.
Castro stressed that if Roque truly had evidence, he wouldn’t need to rely on speculation. “Sila po ang nagsasabi ng ganito mga klaseng akusasyon, hindi niya na kakailanganin ng tulong kung mayroon siyang ebidensya.”
When asked for her message to the ex-spokesman, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, Castro simply said, “Go home.”
The Palace clarified that there are no plans at the moment to request Interpol assistance for Roque or vlogger Maharlika, who were both linked to the spread of the video. According to Castro, no case has been filed yet, and the Department of Justice is still evaluating the issue.
“Binibigyan po natin ang bawat suspect or respondents ng due process,” she emphasized.
