People facing ordinary criminal cases cannot invoke them as grounds for political asylum, which is intended to protect those fleeing persecution over their political beliefs or views, according to former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Law Dean Judd Roy III.
Roy said being charged in court just because you are on the opposite side of the political divide is unlikely to be a ground for the granting of asylum.
“While there is a political difference, it doesn’t necessarily follow that the political difference pertains to a political philosophy. It pertains to political personalities, kaya mahirap,” Roy said on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “MEMO with Korina.”
He said entitlement to asylum protection usually involves a threat to life, not just a threat to liberty or property.
He said it is meant for those whose rights are being oppressed because of their religion, ethnicity, or beliefs, such as revolutionary leaders like the Communist Party of the Philippines’ late founder Jose Ma. Sison.
“If it is shown that they are ordinary criminals, na sila’y pangkaraniwan lamang na criminal, hindi po yan pinapayagan na nagiging basehan ng pag-grant ng pagbigay ng asylum,” he said.
He made the statements when asked about reports that Sen. Loren Legarda is in France while her son Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste is also out of the country, amid investigations into his solar power companies.
Legarda has said that she is on medical leave.
Former lawmaker Elizaldy Co, who has been tagged in the flood control controversy, has also reportedly sought political asylum in France.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said he is set to fly to France soon to tell its authorities not to let their country be a haven for officials facing charges or for ill-gotten wealth.
Remulla said he is headed to France because Legarda and Co are there.