Roque: I am not a fugitive

MANILA, Philippines — Now an object of a police manhunt, former Duterte administration spokesman Harry Roque Jr. scoffs at being called a fugitive.

On Facebook Live, Roque declared: “I am not a fugitive. As an ordinary person, I am just exercising my right. I know that the lawmakers are powerful.”

The House quad committee has a standing order for Roque’s arrest over his failure to submit documents related to his assets, which lawmakers say may be connected to criminal activities of Philippine offshore gaming
 operators (POGO).

“I know that there are so many but as an ordinary person, I have my protection called the Bill of Rights under the Constitution,” he said.

Roque added that he would await the decision of the Supreme Court on his motion questioning the legality of the warrant of arrest issued by the quad committee.

“If the Supreme Court rules to provide the documents, I will comply but I will wait for the decision of the high tribunal and if I was cited in contempt of Congress, I will accept that because I am urging the Filipino people to issue a contempt of the people against the quad committee and this Congress,” Roque said.

He insisted he has no unexplained wealth as alleged by members of the quad panel.

“They want to charge me for unexplained wealth, excuse me, my family was able to send me in the United States, in London and then at the University of the Philippines, this could not be considered as unexplained wealth,” Roque added.

Roque said that he will not allow himself to again be detained at the House of Representatives where he spent 24 hours in detention after being cited in contempt.

“My freedom is very important to me. I will no longer surrender my freedom just like what happened when I surrendered it for one day,” he added.

“(I am) availing of judicial review against an order issued in grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction,” Roque, meanwhile, said in a text message to The STAR.

Panel co-chair and Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez condemned Roque’s evasive actions, underscoring that his blatant disregard for the House’s authority is a direct challenge to the institution.

Another committee co-chair, Surigao del Norte