Malacañang to Roque: tracking fugitives is a duty, not political persecution
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Roque appears to be the only one insisting on that narrative, noting that even his former ally Salvador Panelo has distanced himself from such claims.
'Mukhang si Atty. Harry Roque na lang naman ang naniniwala sa kaniyang pananaw na may political persecution,' Castro said in a briefing.
he added: '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.'
Castro pointed out that if Roque were genuinely concerned about government funds, he should have acted more responsibly during his time in office.
'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,' she said. 'At kung sinasabi nga niya na siya ay concerned sa pondo ng bayan, hindi ba mas maganda kung magboluntaryo na siyang umuwi rito?'
Roque, who is reportedly seeking asylum in the Netherlands, faces a standing arrest warrant from the Pampanga Regional Trial Court for qualified human trafficking. He is charged alongside Cassandra Ong and at least 48 others in connection with an alleged offshore gaming scam linked to Lucky South 99.
The Department of Justice earlier said it is preparing to request an Interpol red notice to locate and arrest Roque. DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano affirmed that the government remains committed to pursuing justice for the victims.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Marcos begins US visit, to push for stronger alliance and talks on tariff relief
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Sunday afternoon for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening Philippine-US ties and pushing for progress on trade, investment, and security cooperation. Welcomed by Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Marcos begins his first Washington trip under President Donald Trump's current term. He is also the first Southeast Asian leader hosted by Trump since his return to the White House in January. Malacañang said the visit reaffirms the long-standing treaty alliance between Manila and Washington, grounded in 'mutual respect, prosperity, and regional stability.' Before leaving Manila, Marcos stressed that addressing the newly raised 20% US tariff on Philippine exports is a top priority. He vowed to push for a bilateral trade agreement to soften its impact and secure long-term access to the American market. 'My meeting with President Trump is essential to advancing our national interests and strengthening our alliance,' Marcos said. 'We will reaffirm our commitment to our long-standing alliances as an instrument of peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.' A trade delegation led by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque arrived ahead of Marcos to continue technical talks with US officials on the tariff issue.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Filipino Times
Palace cites gov't programs for elderly amid push to penalize neglectful children
Malacañang urged the public to take note of existing government programs for senior citizens amid renewed discussions on the welfare of the elderly and a proposed Senate measure seeking to penalize children who abandon their aging parents. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to prioritize elderly Filipinos as part of the country's vulnerable sectors. 'Marami tayong mga programa para sa kanila. May discount sila sa MRT at LRT, at tinuturing silang priority sa tulong,' Castro said. The statement comes after Senator Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson refiled the 'Parents Welfare Act of 2025,' which aims to impose penalties on individuals who fail to provide support to their elderly, sick, or incapacitated parents. If passed into law, children who abandon their parents may face imprisonment of six to ten years and a fine of not less than P300,000. Asked about the Palace's position on the measure, Castro said the Family Code already mandates mutual support between children and parents, citing Article 194. 'May obligasyon ang anak na suportahan ang magulang, at ang magulang sa anak. Nasa batas na 'yan,' she explained. Castro added that a thorough review of the bill is necessary to determine the validity of criminalizing children who neglect their parents.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Filipino Times
Palace downplays China's study abroad alert
Malacañang sought to allay concerns over the Philippines' security situation after China issued a study abroad alert, warning its citizens of alleged rising crimes targeting Chinese nationals in the country. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration remains committed to maintaining peace and order. 'As far as the government is concerned, we know that crime rates in the Philippines are improving and declining. This is due to the directive of the President,' Castro said on Friday. The statement came after China's Ministry of Education cautioned Chinese students planning to study in the Philippines, claiming the country has been in a 'state of insecurity' with reported crimes involving Chinese nationals. The ministry urged students to assess risks carefully and remain vigilant. While the Palace respects China's prerogative to issue travel advisories, Castro said the Philippines continues to be a safe destination for foreigners. She also cited the country's improved ranking in the 2025 Global Peace Index, where the Philippines moved up six notches to 105th out of 163 countries. Castro emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all nationals in the country, regardless of citizenship. She also clarified that the Chinese nationals who were recently deported had been involved in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). 'Whether Filipino or foreigner, regardless of nationality, everyone is guaranteed protection,' she said, adding that recent deportations of Chinese nationals involved individuals engaged in illegal offshore gaming activities. In April, the Palace also denied claims of harassment against foreigners in the Philippines, following a similar travel warning from Beijing.
