Isinusulong na asylum, para maka-iwas sa criminal liability

TINULIGSA ni House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman Jude Acidre ng Tingog Party-list ang naging pahayag ni dating presidential spokesperson Harry Roque na isusulong niya ang pagkuha ng asylum sa Netherlands.

Naniniwala ang mambabatas na isa itong desperadong hakbang para makaiwas umano sa panangutan sa alegasyon laban sa kanya tulad nang pagkakasangkot umano sa offshore scam hubs o Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“Roque’s asylum bid is nothing more than a cowardly maneuver to escape the consequences of his actions. He has been cited in contempt and ordered detained for his refusal to cooperate in our investigation into POGO-related criminal activities. Now, he wants to flee the country to avoid answering for his alleged role in a human trafficking scheme. If he has nothing to hide, why is he running?” pagtatanong nito.

Ang hakbang ni Roque ay kasunod na rin sa isinampang kaso ng human trafficking laban sa kanya at dalawang iba pa sa Department of Justice (DOJ), may limang buwan na ang nakalilipas.

Binigyan-diin pa ni Acidre na ang biglaang asylum application ni Roque ay lalong nagpalaki ng suspisyon sa pagkakasangkot nito sa mga akusasyon laban sa kanya.

“This is not just about contempt in Congress anymore. Roque is now facing serious criminal charges that involve human trafficking—one of the gravest crimes under Philippine and international law. His decision to seek refuge abroad is an obvious attempt to shield himself from prosecution and avoid being held accountable for his actions,” dagdag nito.

Hinikayat namann ni Acidre ang mga law enforcement agencies na makipag-coordinate sa international authorities upang mapigilan si Roque na magamit ang asylum para protektahan siya sa prosecution.

“The law must take its course. We cannot allow individuals to exploit international legal mechanisms just to escape criminal liability. Roque may attempt to run, but the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with him. We will ensure that he faces justice—whether here or abroad,” pgatatpos ni Acidre.

(Vina de Guzman)