DOJ Secretary Remulla Reacts To Harry Roque’s Appearance at Netherlands
REMULLA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary issued a challenge to former presidential spokesman Harry Roque to face the allegations in the Philippines.
The appearance of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque at the Hague, Netherlands elicited different reactions from the Filipinos. Several key personalities in the government also commented on the first public appearance of Duterte’s former spokesman after he was cited for contempt by the House of Representatives and seemingly hid.
Atty. Harry Roque was spotted with Vice Pres. Sara Duterte in the Hague, Netherlands. Aside from Roque, Senator Robin Padilla was also spotted outside the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte is currently detained at the hospital facility of the Hague Penitentiary Institution. Last Friday, he made his first appearance before the pre-trial chamber of the ICC remotely. He was sent a link to follow on the proceedings.
Duterte was personally represented by former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea at the initial appearance. The former executive secretary is the enlisted legal counsel of the former President.
Previously, Atty. Harry Roque also claimed that he will be one of the members of Duterte’s ICC legal team. He is accredited by the ICC and he also bared the plan that a foreign lawyer will be part of the legal team of the former Philippine President.
Following the pronouncement of Roque, the Palace urged the Filipinos to call for the return of the former presidential spokesman to the Philippines. In line with it, Roque said he plans to seek asylum at the Netherlands while defending Duterte.
Recently, DOJ Sec. Boying Remulla broke his silence on the appearance of Duterte’s former spokesman Harry Roque at the Hague, Netherlands. Based on a report on GMA News, the Justice Secretary challenged the former presidential spokesman to return to the Philippines and face the accusations against him.
“Harapin niya ‘yung ano, kung ano mang sinasakdal sa kanya. Harapin niya, ‘di ba? Magpaka-Pilipino siya nang maayos,” Remulla said.
Based on the report, Justice Sec. Boying Remulla expressed that nothing is happening but he is allegedly esaping already. He stressed that he must face the allegations against him being a lawyer.
“Wala pa ngang nangyayari tumatakas na siya eh. Hindi, harapin niya. Abogado pa naman siya, hindi siya sumusunod sa batas. Sumunod siya sa batas, harapin niya,” the DOJ Chief said.
During her previous interview with the press, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte revealed that Harry Roque will not be part of the ICC legal team of the former President.