Roque should just return to PH instead of seeking asylum, Palace says

September 16, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Former Palace spokesperson Harry Roque should just return to the country and answer the charges against him to prove his innocence, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castroy made the remarks after Roque refuted Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s statement that Roque’s bid for political asylum was denied.

Castro said Roque should face the charges instead of seeking asylum in Europe.

“Kung meron mang kinakaharap na usapin at alam niya sa sarili niya na siya ay malinis at walang bahid ng pagkakamali, dapat maging matapang na harapin kung ano man ang nagiging usapin patungkol sa kaniya,” she said.

Castro went on: “So, harapin at ipakita mo ang sarili mong ebidensya para malinis ang iyong pangalan.”

Roque earlier denied Remulla’s claim of the dismissal of his asylum bid as fake news.

The ex-spokesperson of former President Rodrigo Duterte said his asylum application is still pending.

Roque is facing qualified human trafficking charges over his alleged involvement in a Philippine offshore gaming operator in Pampanga.

He is also facing a tax case over alleged tax violations and tax deficiencies amounting to P 3.35 billion.

Roque should just return to PH instead of seeking asylum, Palace says

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