The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced its intention to request the cancellation of the passport of Atty. Harry Roque, the former presidential spokesperson of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed the move, citing Roque’s current stay in the Netherlands where he has applied for political asylum.
The DOJ emphasized that if Roque’s passport is successfully revoked, he would be considered an “undocumented alien” under Dutch law.
This status could lead to his deportation back to the Philippines, where he is facing charges related to human trafficking for his alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations.
Despite this, Roque maintains that the Philippine government has no authority to arrest or deport him as long as his asylum application is pending.
Secretary Remulla admitted that the asylum process must be completed before any arrest or forced repatriation can proceed.
He expressed confidence in the Netherlands’ adherence to due process and anticipates that a decision on Roque’s asylum application may be finalized soon.
Chief State Counsel Arvin Dennis Chan also clarified that an individual cannot be arrested while their asylum application is still under review.
An arrest warrant was previously issued by the Angeles City Regional Trial Court against Roque for the said charges.