Harry Roque, a former presidential spokesperson, claimed his right to travel because there is no hold-departure order (HDO) against him and said that he will not return to the Philippines unless ordered to do so by the Supreme Court.
A certified counter-affidavit would be submitted in Abu Dhabi to address the qualifying human trafficking accusation related to Roque’s alleged involvement with an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, he confirmed in an interview on dzBB.
Roque dismissed concerns over his departure, saying he legally left the country and exercised his right to travel. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that Roque and his wife visited the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi to notarize his affidavit, presenting valid passports and staying in the UAE legally.
He defended his actions, emphasizing that leaving the country doesn’t indicate guilt and pledged to cooperate with investigations if required by the judiciary or the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Meanwhile, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Risa Hontiveros called for an inquiry into how Roque and other high-profile suspects avoided immigration scrutiny. Gatchalian highlighted systemic weaknesses or potential corruption that allowed Roque’s departure, while Hontiveros urged authorities to identify those who facilitated his escape.
