A move to invalidate the Philippine passport of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is now underway, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who spoke on behalf of the Department of Justice (DOJ) during Friday’s Senate budget deliberations.
Gatchalian told lawmakers that justice officials consider the passport cancellation “a matter of time” following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Roque in connection with a qualified trafficking case. Although Roque has denied any link to alleged abuse involving the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator in Porac, Pampanga, the proceedings remain stalled because the Angeles City court has not yet gained jurisdiction over him.
Citing the DOJ’s current course of action, Gatchalian said: “Ang move po ng DOJ… is to move to cancel his passport.” He later added that Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon told him it is only a question of when the cancellation will take effect.
The senator explained that the DOJ intends to notify international authorities once the passport is voided. “Dahil nga may warrant of arrest na ho siya, ang kanilang ginawa ay pakansela po yung kanyang passport para ma-inform po ang Interpol ng Red Notice at ma-aresto siya ng Interpol,” he said.
The New Philippine Passport Act allows a passport to be cancelled when a court orders it in cases involving criminal convictions, fugitives, or individuals charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Roque has remained in the Netherlands, saying he is seeking asylum there.
