Barbers Urges Roque to Return After Alleged Asylum Denial in Austria

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has been urged to return to the Philippines and face charges after reports surfaced that his bid for asylum in Austria was denied, according to former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers. Barbers, speaking on the sidelines of a press briefing with the Vice President on Tuesday, stated, "Harry Roque should return to the country and face the charges against him. There is no more reason for him to stay abroad." Roque, who campaigned for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 presidential elections and was later appointed Senior Deputy Executive Secretary under the Marcos administration, resigned from his post and reportedly sought asylum in Austria. Barbers asserted that Roque's actions betray public trust and that he should be held accountable under the law. He added that Filipinos are disappointed by the actions of public officials attempting to evade prosecution. Roque has not yet commented on the matter. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo