Quad Comm seeks explanation on Roque’s PH exit after ICC sighting | ABS-CBN
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Quad Comm seeks explanation on Roque’s PH exit after ICC sighting
Quad Comm seeks explanation on Roque’s PH exit after ICC sighting
Harry Roque was seen with Vice President Sara Duterte at the International Criminal Court headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday afternoon (Manila time). Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News
Harry Roque was seen with Vice President Sara Duterte at the International Criminal Court headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday afternoon (Manila time). Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — At least two leaders of the House Quad Committee want the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to explain how former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque was able to leave the Philippines.
MANILA — At least two leaders of the House Quad Committee want the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to explain how former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque was able to leave the Philippines.
This, despite a contempt and detention order issued by the mega-panel against him last September for skipping its hearings.
This, despite a contempt and detention order issued by the mega-panel against him last September for skipping its hearings.
Roque is currently in the Netherlands as part of the legal team defending former President Rodrigo Duterte from crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Roque is currently in the Netherlands as part of the legal team defending former President Rodrigo Duterte from crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Quad Comm co-chairperson and ABANG LINGKOD Party List Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano said he will move to invite the representatives of the DFA and the BI in the mega-panel’s next hearing, tentatively scheduled on Friday.
Quad Comm co-chairperson and ABANG LINGKOD Party List Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano said he will move to invite the representatives of the DFA and the BI in the mega-panel’s next hearing, tentatively scheduled on Friday.
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“As of now, we cannot talk about the liabilities of the two agencies, but… they have to explain to the committee na Harry Roque is cited in contempt, but he's scot-free, especially ngayon, lumabas na talaga, with VP Sara pa and all other entourage doon sa The Hague,” Paduano said.
“As of now, we cannot talk about the liabilities of the two agencies, but… they have to explain to the committee na Harry Roque is cited in contempt, but he's scot-free, especially ngayon, lumabas na talaga, with VP Sara pa and all other entourage doon sa The Hague,” Paduano said.
“Explain to the committee with regards to the documents, especially this passport being used by Harry Roque... Hindi pa nga namin alam talaga kung from what country siya before Netherlands nanggaling. Malalaman natin siguro ‘yan in the next hearing,” he added.
“Explain to the committee with regards to the documents, especially this passport being used by Harry Roque... Hindi pa nga namin alam talaga kung from what country siya before Netherlands nanggaling. Malalaman natin siguro ‘yan in the next hearing,” he added.
The House’s contempt and detention order against Roque stemmed from his repeated failure to attend the Quad Comm’s inquiry into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
The House’s contempt and detention order against Roque stemmed from his repeated failure to attend the Quad Comm’s inquiry into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
It remains in effect, according mega-panel’s overall chairperson and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers.
It remains in effect, according mega-panel’s overall chairperson and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers.
“I think we should already ask the Bureau of Immigration: Ano ba’ng nangyari? Saan ba galing ‘yan? Kasi I’m sure gumamit ng passport ‘yan pagdating niya doon sa Netherlands, and ‘yung kanyang port of origin will definitely be reflected in his passport. So bakit hindi naiinform ang Bureau of Immigration tungkol dyan? Bakit walang aksyon ang ating Bureau of Immigration?” he told the media in an interview.
“I think we should already ask the Bureau of Immigration: Ano ba’ng nangyari? Saan ba galing ‘yan? Kasi I’m sure gumamit ng passport ‘yan pagdating niya doon sa Netherlands, and ‘yung kanyang port of origin will definitely be reflected in his passport. So bakit hindi naiinform ang Bureau of Immigration tungkol dyan? Bakit walang aksyon ang ating Bureau of Immigration?” he told the media in an interview.
He, however, believes that Roque cannot be arrested in the Netherlands on the basis of the House Quad Comm’s contempt and detention order.
He, however, believes that Roque cannot be arrested in the Netherlands on the basis of the House Quad Comm’s contempt and detention order.
“Jurisdictionally kasi ‘yung contempt order ng House, sa Pilipinas lang ‘yun… I think ‘yung Interpol will only come into the picture if there’s already a case (before the court), or a case has already been decided, or a warrant (from the court),” Barbers explained.
“Jurisdictionally kasi ‘yung contempt order ng House, sa Pilipinas lang ‘yun… I think ‘yung Interpol will only come into the picture if there’s already a case (before the court), or a case has already been decided, or a warrant (from the court),” Barbers explained.
ASYLUM BID
Roque, who had served as Palace spokesperson during the Duterte administration, said he would file the asylum application.
Roque, who had served as Palace spokesperson during the Duterte administration, said he would file the asylum application.
House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party List Representative Arlene Brosas slammed Roque's announcement to seek asylum in The Netherlands as a “mockery of justice” and an alleged “attempt to dodge accountability”.
House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Party List Representative Arlene Brosas slammed Roque's announcement to seek asylum in The Netherlands as a “mockery of justice” and an alleged “attempt to dodge accountability”.
"Roque’s asylum bid is nothing but a pathetic attempt to dodge accountability. He’s not seeking refuge—he’s looking for an escape route. Roque has a lot of explaining to do—from his ties to Lucky South 99 to his sudden ‘jackpot’ in wealth," she said.
"Roque’s asylum bid is nothing but a pathetic attempt to dodge accountability. He’s not seeking refuge—he’s looking for an escape route. Roque has a lot of explaining to do—from his ties to Lucky South 99 to his sudden ‘jackpot’ in wealth," she said.
Brosas urged the DFA and the Department of Justice to coordinate with international authorities to ensure Roque faces the House Quad Committee.
Brosas urged the DFA and the Department of Justice to coordinate with international authorities to ensure Roque faces the House Quad Committee.
Roque had repeatedly denied links to Lucky South 99, a formerly-registered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raided in Porac, Pampanga over allegations of illegal activities. He also denied having unexplained wealth.
Roque had repeatedly denied links to Lucky South 99, a formerly-registered Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) raided in Porac, Pampanga over allegations of illegal activities. He also denied having unexplained wealth.
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