Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla expressed dismay over the discovery that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque possesses at least two regular passports, a privilege not granted to non-government officials.
“‘Di bale sana kung opisyal pa rin s’ya, meron s’yang diplomatic tapos meron s’yang regular passport,” he said.
He stated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will investigate the matter and coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for clarification.
Last week, the DOJ sought the cancellation of Roque’s passport after the Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC) ordered his arrest for non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges.
“Ibig sabihin we are petitioning for the cancelation of these passports kasi nga fugitive from the law na s’ya,” Remulla said.
Roque reportedly left the Philippines late last year and admitted to seeking political asylum from the Netherlands government.
Regarding Roque’s possession of two regular passports, Remulla remarked, “Ipapahalukay namin ‘yan kasi hindi dapat ginagawa ‘yan.”
He also claimed that Roque exited the Philippines last year via Tawi-Tawi, possibly using a boat to reach Malaysia through Sipadan, Sabah. (Jeffrey Damicog)
