Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre (left), Harry Roque (PPAB)

A cowardly maneuver.

That's how Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre described former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s move of seeking asylum in the Netherlands, the host country of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where former president Rodrigo Duterte is being tried for crimes against humanity.

Acidre further called out Roque for attempting to evade accountability for his alleged involvement in offshore scam hubs or Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and related crimes, including human trafficking.

“Roque’s asylum bid is nothing more than a cowardly maneuver to escape the consequences of his actions,” Acidre, a House assistant majority leader, said in a statement.

“He has been cited in contempt and ordered detained for his refusal to cooperate in our investigation into POGO-related criminal activities. Now, he wants to flee the country to avoid answering for his alleged role in a human trafficking scheme. If he has nothing to hide, why is he running?” he asked.

Acidre was referring to Roque’s run-ins with House quad-committee (quad-comm), which last year issued an arrest order against him for his apparent refusal to attend its hearings. 

It was the quad-comm that made a connection between the controversial lawyer and illegal POGOs.

Roque’s move cames five months after a human trafficking case was filed against him and two others before the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

The complaint, filed by government prosecutors, alleged that the former Palace mouthpiece used his position and influence to protect and enable criminal syndicates running offshore gambling hubs involved in human trafficking, cyber fraud, and money laundering.

Roque, a former congressman, is claiming to be part of Duterte’s defense team at ICC.

Acidre emphasized that Roque’s sudden asylum application only raises further suspicions about his deeper involvement in these illegal operations.

“This is not just about contempt in Congress anymore. Roque is now facing serious criminal charges that involve human trafficking—one of the gravest crimes under Philippine and international law,” Acidre stressed.

“His decision to seek refuge abroad is an obvious attempt to shield himself from prosecution and avoid being held accountable for his actions,” he said.