Malacañang Speaks on Harry Roque’s Claim To Join Duterte’s Legal Team
Malacañang said former presidential spokesman Harry Roque must represent and defend himself first before other people.
The recent appearance of Atty. Harry Roque at the Hague, Netherlands elicited comments from the people as well as the known personalities in the government. It has been a while since the House of Representative cited Roque for contempt and ordered him detained. Since then, he was not seen in public until recently.
The House of Representatives cited Harry Roque for contempt and ordered his detention over his alleged failure to submit the required documents that would explain the growth of his wealth. Even his wife was dragged into the issue.
Atty. Harry Roque was spotted with Vice Pres. Sara Duterte outside the International Criminal Court (ICC). Previously, Roque said he will be part of the legal team of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The former Chief Executive is currently detained in the hospital facility of the Hague Penitentiary Institution.
Harry Roque said he will seek asylum at the Netherlands and, if granted, he cannot be deported to the Philippines while the trial is ongoing. Amid the pronouncements of the former presidential spokesman, Malacañang called on the Filipinos to challenge Roque to return to the Philippines and face the allegations against him.
Recently, Malacañang spoke on the claim of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque that he will defend former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Based on a report on GMA News, Palace press officer Atty. Claire Castro said he must represent and defend himself first before other people.
“Siguro po kung sinabi man niya na nandodoon siya, hindi siya uuwi dahil iri-represent niya ang kaniyang presidente, mas maganda po siguro na unahin niya munang i-represent iyong sarili niya, ipagtanggol ang sarili niya bago magtanggol ng ibang tao,” the press officer of Malacañang said.
Regarding the asylum bid of Roque and the possibility of the issuance of an arrest warrant against him, Malacañang refused to comment until there is indeed an arrest warrant. Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Boying Remulla was also asked about the presence of Roque abroad.
According to Remulla, Roque is allegedly “irrelevant” in the situation of Duterte with the ICC. He challenged the former presidential spokesman to return to the country and act like a Filipino and face the accusations against him.