Palace: Roque’s asylum bid, persecution claims lack basis

MANILA, Philippines - Malaca ang said on Tuesday, September 15, that the asylum request and political persecution claims of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque lacked basis as he continues to face charges in the Philippines.

According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, during a press briefing, aside from qualified human trafficking complaints, Roque also faces accusations of land grabbing and tax evasion.

"Ang paniniwala ng PCO (Presidential Communications Office) ay wala pong batayan ang ginawang request ni Harry Roque na sinasabing political persecution lang ang ginagawa sa kanya. Maliwanag naman po ang mga kaso, hindi lang qualified human trafficking," Castro said.

(The PCO believes that Harry Roque's request claiming he's experiencing political persecution has no basis. The cases are clear, and they involve not only qualified human trafficking.)