Ex-Palace Spokesperson Denies 'Fake News' on Asylum Denial

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, Jr. announced that the asylum application of former presidential spokesperson Herminio “Harry” L. Roque, Jr. has been denied, a claim that Roque himself has vehemently rejected as “fake news.” During a live briefing on Tuesday, Secretary Remulla stated, “His asylum bid was done. Harry Roque’s asylum bid was denied. Five months had passed.” He added that once a red notice is issued, he would apprehend Roque. However, Roque, in a statement, asserted that his asylum application remains pending. He argued that there is no rule that automatically turns an application into a denial after six months. “My application for asylum has been submitted for resolution, and I continue to await the official decision of the competent Austrian asylum authorities,” he said. “Until the Austrian authorities themselves issue a decision on my application, claims that my asylum bid has already been denied are false and misleading,” he added. Roque is currently facing a qualified human trafficking case before a court in Pampanga, in connection with the Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac. An arrest warrant was issued against him and 49 others in May 2025. Mr. Roque has denied any involvement in illegal POGO operations. The House Quad Committee had lifted its contempt order against him in June 2025. The Supreme Court later dismissed his petition challenging the committee’s actions as moot. This development highlights ongoing issues surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and legal proceedings against individuals associated with them. Roque's asylum application also brings attention to the complexities of international legal processes and individual responses to domestic legal challenges.