Palace tells Roque to come home, face allegations

Malacañang challenged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and face the allegations against him instead of seeking asylum abroad.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the call last week after Roque disputed Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s claim that his asylum application in Austria had been denied.

Roque has maintained that his application remains pending and that he is still awaiting a decision from Austrian authorities.

Castro said Roque should confront the cases against him and present evidence to clear his name.

“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,” Castro said.

“So, harapin at ipakita mo ang sarili mong ebidensya para malinis ang iyong pangalan,” she added.

Remulla said Tuesday that Roque’s asylum bid had been denied and that authorities would pursue his return if an Interpol Red Notice is issued. Roque rejected the claim as “fake news,” saying his application was still pending.

Roque is facing qualified human trafficking charges in connection with the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. An Angeles City court issued an arrest warrant against him and other respondents in May 2025.

The former Palace official has denied the allegations.

He also faces a tax complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue involving alleged tax violations connected to Biancham Holdings and Trading Inc.

The Palace’s latest call comes as the government continues efforts to have Roque return to the Philippines and face the cases pending against him.