Malacañang has urged former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and face the legal process, rather than making public statements abroad that officials describe as distractions and a misuse of government time and resources.

The Palace issued the statement following Roque’s claim that the Marcos administration is wasting public funds by pursuing his arrest overseas.

Officials clarified that efforts to locate and prosecute a fugitive are a legitimate use of government resources, particularly when the individual is facing serious criminal charges.

Roque is currently facing a charge of qualified human trafficking in connection with the operations of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga. The Angeles City Regional Trial Court recently issued an arrest warrant against him, Cassandra Ong, and 48 others.

Government records indicate that Roque has fled to The Hague, Netherlands, and is reportedly seeking asylum to evade arrest. In response, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a red notice for his apprehension.

Malacañang has dismissed Roque’s claims of political persecution, stating that such accusations lack merit. Officials allege that Roque is using his ties to the Duterte camp as a means to deflect from his legal troubles.

Though Roque had no prior criminal record, the Palace emphasized that the current allegations are serious and merit due legal proceedings. It added that returning to the country to face the charges would spare the government the added burden of launching an international effort to bring him to justice.