DOJ Wants Harry Roque’s Passport Cancelled amid Arrest Warrant from Local Court
HARRY ROQUE’S PASSPORT – The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that they will work on the cancellation of the passport of the former presidential spokesman.
A local court in the Philippines issued arrest warrants against former presidential spox Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong, and 49 others. They are being investigated over their alleged involvement in the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming operations in the country.
However, Harry Roque is currently in the Netherlands. The former presidential spox hid from the public for around six (6) months since the House of Representatives cited him for contempt and ordered his arrest. He was seen again in The Hague, Netherlands in March when the custody of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte was transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Roque initially claimed that he will be part of the ICC legal team of former Pres. Duterte. However, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte wanted the lawyers of her father to really be focusing on his case. As for the former presidential spokesman, she stressed that she must focus on her bid for asylum.
Harry Roque is currently as asylum seeker in the Netherlands. The Department of Justice previously admitted that the arrest warrant against him cannot be directly served because of the ongoing application process. The former presidential spox previously said that he cannot be deported while the process is ongoing and it may take up to a year and a half.
Recently, the DOJ confirmed that it will work on the cancellation of Harry Roque’s passport. Based on a report on Inquirer, Justice Secretary Boying Remulla admitted he has yet to sign the documents needed in seeking the cancellation of Roque’s passport but he assured that the department will work on the matter.
The move to seek the cancellation of Harry Roque’s passport is like what happened in the case of former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnie Teves. He is currently in Timor-Leste amid the charges filed against him in the Philippines.
Previously, DOJ confirmed that it may tap the Interpol for an assistance regarding the arrest warrant against Harry Roque.