MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has questioned whether former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s travels are legitimate or a means of evading legal accountability.

“Travel lang ba talaga yang ginagawa ni Atty. Harry Roque, o paglabag na sa batas ng Pilipinas? Hindi ba pagtakas iyan?” Hontiveros asked in a statement released on Wednesday, March 5.

Roque, who has been out of the country for an extended period, recently described his situation as a “flight from a congressional contempt.” Hontiveros pointed out that this was essentially an admission of guilt under Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes disobedience to summons by Congress.

Hontiveros said it is “extremely ironic that Roque is talking about his right to travel” while the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is reportedly considering filing cases against him for allegedly leaving the Philippines through unlawful means.

“Ayon nga sa BI, malamang ay gumamit si Roque ng falsified immigration clearances para makapasok sa iba’t-ibang bansa, o di kaya ay tinutulungan ng masasamang indibidwal,” Hontiveros said.

Roque is also facing a qualified human trafficking complaint linked to the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, which has been the subject of multiple investigations due to alleged criminal activities.

The senator questioned why Roque has not returned to the Philippines if his travels were legitimate.

“Kung talagang travel lang yan, bakit iligal ang pag-alis mo sa bansa – at bakit ayaw mo nang bumalik dito, Harry Roque?” she said.

Roque has cited his right to travel following Senator Hontiveros’ inquiry regarding his location during a recent Senate session.

“For the record, there is no warrant of arrest issued against me. Flight from a congressional contempt, I wish to underscore, cannot be the evidence of anything. As DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, I am being pursued not as a criminal or fugitive but as a resource person,” Roque stated in a post on his Facebook page.

He also clarified that no hold departure order has been issued against him.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB, Harry Roque FB