Former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday said he felt relief in staying in the Netherlands after filing an asylum petition.

Roque, who was known as a human rights lawyer and law professor before he joined politics, sought asylum amid an arrest warrant for contempt issued by the House of Representatives for his failure to attend its probe on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

He has also been linked to illegal activities at POGO hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac, although these allegations have yet to reach court.

Online petition, formal letter seek to block Roque bid for asylum in the Netherlands

"I have now a bonafide asylum seeker," he said after attending a gathering in The Hague in celebration of Rodrigo Duterte's birthday.

"Di na ko mapapadeport pabalik ng Pilipinas hanggang hindi matapos ang aking application," he said. "The process of application is about 1 and a half years." 

Roque revealed that since the House issued an arrest warrant for him, he has been on the run for more than six months.

"Wala nang tago nang tago kaya nga pumirma ako ng aking application. Sabi ko nga first time in 6 and a half months hindi na nag ako nagtatago."

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