Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has confirmed that he has applied for asylum in the Netherlands after the House Quad Committee issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with its investigation into Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
“Ako po ngayon ay isang asylum seeker dahil naka-apply na po ako for asylum,” Roque announced during a Facebook live session on Thursday night. He reiterated that as an asylum seeker, he cannot be arrested or forced to return to the Philippines.
Roque claimed that Vice President Sara Duterte instructed him to prioritize his asylum application. “Wala po ako ngayon sa Hague dahil ang utos ng ating Vice President, atupagin ko muna ang aking asylum,” he added, emphasizing that he is awaiting his initial interview as part of the application process.
Roque surfaced in The Hague last week, coinciding with the arrest and transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he is facing charges of crimes against humanity related to the country’s war on drugs. Roque clarified that he legally entered the Netherlands using a valid Schengen visa.
Contempt and POGO Probe
In September 2024, the House Quad Committee cited Roque in contempt and ordered his detention after he refused to submit documents that would explain the significant increase in his wealth amid the ongoing investigation into POGOs. The probe was launched after allegations surfaced linking him to illegal activities involving Whirlwind Corporation, the owner of the land where a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga was raided. Authorities discovered criminal activities such as torture and scams at the site.
In August 2024, an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order was issued against Roque and 11 others in connection with the POGO investigation. However, Malacañang maintained that Roque must prove he is facing political persecution in the Philippines to be granted asylum. Palace officials expressed doubts that Roque would be able to secure asylum, citing what they described as “substantial evidence” against him.
Roque, however, dismissed the investigation, calling it “a political inquisition against the Duterte family and me as their outspoken ally.” While he denied any involvement in illegal POGO operations, he admitted to providing legal services to Whirlwind Corporation.
Roque’s bid for asylum has drawn both scrutiny and skepticism, with critics questioning the legitimacy of his claims and the likelihood of him securing protection in the Netherlands.