Malacañang to Roque: Tracking fugitives is not a waste of time or money

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang dismissed former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s claim that the government is wasting public funds in searching for him, and pointed out that tracking fugitives is a function of the state and not political persecution.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Roque appears to be the only one pushing the narrative of political persecution - something even his former ally, Salvador Panelo, has dismissed.

“Mukhang si Atty. Harry Roque na lang naman ang naniniwala sa kaniyang pananaw na may political persecution,” Castro said in a briefing.

“Ito malamang ay ang pagtatago niya ng kaniyang maaaring liability at ang kaniyang pagsama-sama sa mga Duterte ay ginagawa niyang panangga para patunayan na mayroong political persecution, pero kahit na ang kaniyang dating naging kaalyado ay hindi naniniwala sa kaniyang mga tinuran.”

[Translation: It seems Atty. Harry Roque is the only one who believes in his narrative of political persecution. This might be a way to hide from potential liability, and he’s using his ties with the Dutertes as a shield to back that narrative, but even his former allies don’t believe his claims.]

Castro added that Roque’s criticism of government spending contradicts his actions, particularly when he was in public service.

“Ang paghahanap ng isang fugitive ay hindi pag-aaksaya ng oras. Kung siya ay concerned sa pondo ng bayan, dapat noon pa ‘yan - noong 2016 pa,” added Castro.

[Translation: Searching for a fugitive is not a waste of time. If he were truly concerned about government funds, that should’ve been the case as far back as 2016.]

“At kung sinasabi nga niya na siya ay concerned sa pondo ng bayan, hindi ba mas maganda kung magboluntaryo na siyang umuwi rito para hindi na siya pag-aksayahan ng oras at ng pera ng gobyerno?” she added.

[Translation: And if he really is concerned about public funds, wouldn’t it be better for him to just voluntarily come home so the government doesn’t waste any more time and money on him?]

Roque is seeking asylum in The Netherlands. He has a standing arrest warrant issued by the Pampanga Regional Trial Court for qualified human trafficking, along with Cassandra Ong and at least 48 others. The charges are linked to an alleged offshore gaming scam operation by Lucky South 99.

The Department of Justice earlier said it is preparing to request an Interpol red notice to locate and arrest Roque. Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said the government remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims and holding all those involved accountable.