Roque won't return to Phl unless ordered by SC

Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque has no plan to return to the Philippines unless ordered by the Supreme Court, maintaining his right to travel as there is no hold-departure order (HDO) against him.

- By BELLA CARIASO

"I am waiting for the decision of the Supreme Court or I will wait for the current Congress to end," Roque said in an interview yesterday over dzBB.

Roque has submitted a counter-affidavit - notarized in Abu Dhabi - on the qualified human trafficking complaint lodged against him in connection with his alleged ties to an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

He was mum on the statement of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that he did not follow the legal or regular process in leaving the country.

"It is difficult to comment as according to them (BI), they will file a case against me," he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday confirmed that Roque and his wife personally appeared at the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi for notarial services.

The DFA said the embassy extended consular services to Roque and his wife, as required for documents executed abroad for use in the Philippines.

“They were able to present valid passports and appear to be staying in the UAE legally,” the DFA said.

Roque maintained that he has the right to travel abroad as there is no pending warrant of arrest against him.