Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque fired back at the Philippine government as it continues to pursue the case linked to him, asserting that he is being targeted because of his loyalty to former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement released on Sunday, November 23, Roque claimed that both the Philippine and Dutch governments understand the real reason behind the pursuit.
“Alam nila [Dutch government] kung bakit ako hinahabol ng gobyerno. Dahil alam nila ako talaga’y naging tapat kay [dating] Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he said.
Roque maintained that he has no regrets about the loyalty he gave the former president.
“Hindi po ako nagsisisi hanggang aking kamatayan. Hindi ako nagsisisi kay [dating] Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte dahil ako tumatanaw po ako ng utang na loob, na ako’y binigyan ng pagkakataon ni tatay Digong na magsilbi sa bayan nang tapat. At ‘yan po ay aking ginawa,” Roque declared.
He further emphasized his belief that Duterte was the country’s best leader.
“Uulitin ko po lahat ang aking ginawa, dahil naniniwala ako na si tatay Digong ang naging pinakamagaling na Presidente sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. I will not apologize for it, I will not regret it!”
Roque is currently appealing for asylum in the Netherlands while facing a human trafficking case allegedly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Prior to this, he was issued an arrest order for failing to attend a House inquiry into POGO hub Lucky South 99, where he was identified as its supposed legal counsel.