Remulla: Roque asylum application in ‘purgatory’

Then Senate candidate Harry Roque joins the UniTeam miting de avance on Aseana Avenue in Parañaque on Saturday. Fernando G. Sepe Jr., ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The asylum application of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque remains in limbo, with no decision yet to approve or deny his request, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday.

Remulla described Roque’s asylum application as being in a “purgatory” stage.

“Hindi approved, hindi disapproved. Kaya, kumbaga, nasa purgatory siya ng asylum ngayon,” Remulla said. 

Remulla said asylum applications usually take around six months, but noted that Roque’s case has already been pending for six months to a year without a decision.

Under Austrian law, asylum authorities generally have six months to decide on an application, although the period may be extended in certain circumstances.

Remulla earlier admitted that he was wrong when he said Roque’s asylum application had been denied.

“Wala pang batas na nagsasaklaw ukol sa kanyang asylum. So, nagkokonsulta kami sa international lawyers kung mako-cover na siya ng red notice ‘pag makuha na namin tungkol sa kanya,” he said. 

He also disputed Roque’s claim of political persecution, saying the charges against him involve human trafficking.

“Nobody is being politically persecuted. Ang charge sa kanya ay human trafficking. At ang charge kay Zaldy Co is plunder. pareho silang part of the administration dati,” Remulla said. 

“Hindi ano to, hindi political persecution. May krimen talaga. Kung tingin nila, inosente sila, humarap sila dito. Parehas naman ang labanan e,” he stressed. 

Remulla said his planned trip to France concerning the asylum bid of former lawmaker Zaldy Co was delayed following the recent school shooting in South Cotabato.

He said he prioritized completing the government’s response to incidents involving children in conflict with the law (CICL).

“This takes precedence over everything. All businesses drop. Safety of the children come first,” Remulla explained. 

He added that political noise should not distract from addressing issues that directly affect people.

“Real work involves real people and real results. Kailangan masolusyon na natin to.”