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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Roque, wife staying in UAE 'legally' — DFA

Roque, wife staying in UAE 'legally' — DFA

Published Dec 3, 2024 12:16 pm

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that embattled former presidential spokesman Harry Roque was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and staying there "legally."

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza on Tuesday night, Dec. 3. said Roque and his wife, Mylah, appeared at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 29.

There, they availed themselves of consular services, particularly notarial services that do not require a prior appointment.

"The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi extended consular services to Mr. and Mrs. Roque, as required for documents executed abroad for use in the Philippines," Daza said.

"They were able to present valid passports and appear to be staying in the UAE legally," she added.

Daza's remark came after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it has no records of Roque, who has been put under immigration lookout order, flying out of the country through legal means.

Roque's whereabouts was taken the spotlight after Vice President Sara Duterte gave hints that the former Palace mouthpiece was abroad.

"Look at Sec. Harry Roque, ayaw umalis noon sa bansa kasi yung mga anak niya maiiwanan. Pero look at him, umalis na lang (Look at Sec. Harry Roque. He didn't want to leave the country because of his children. But look at him now, he still left)," Duterte said during a recent briefing, where she made a plethora of tirades against President Marcos and his allies.

Prior to this, Roque had been under House probe in September in relation to operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.

He had been cited in contempt and ordered detained for supposedly lying about his absence during a House inquiry.

In Abu Dhabi, Roque filed a counter-affidavit for a non-bailable trafficking complaint filed by the government against him for his supposed involvement in a POGO hub in Pampanga.

The DFA has yet to confirm if Roque is still in the UAE; but in a video posted on his Facebook page, Roque claimed he already left the country.

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