Malacañang has responded to former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque’s remarks about his return to the Philippines, saying the government is not rushing any decision regarding his case abroad.
“Wait and see,” was the message from Palace Press Briefer Claire Castro when asked about Roque’s appeal to be brought home. Castro clarified that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is still waiting for formal communication on the status of Roque’s asylum application in The Netherlands.
Roque had publicly questioned why the government was not acting on his repatriation, following reports that his asylum request was denied. However, he fired back, accusing the DOJ of spreading misinformation.
“I am not surprised that the Marcos Jr. administration, through the Department of Justice (DOJ), has become a purveyor of fake news,” Roque said, disputing claims made by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla that he is now seeking asylum in Germany. “That’s strike two for the DOJ Secretary. First, he claimed I supposedly have multiple passports. Now, he’s saying my asylum was denied.”
Castro, meanwhile, cautioned Roque against undermining the government’s capacity. “He should not underestimate the intelligence and assets of the DOJ,” she said, adding that the government would not reveal its strategy “the way he does.”
Roque continues to deny reports of a second asylum application and maintains that the narrative being pushed by the DOJ lacks basis.
