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Dutch Citizen Petitions To Block Harry Roque's Asylum Request - Here's Why
Screengrab from Harry Roque
Filipino-Dutch citizen and writer Joel Vega is making waves online after publicly sharing his petition to block former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum application in the Netherlands. In a Facebook post, Vega revealed that he has formally written to Rhodia Maas, the Director-General of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), outlining the reasons why Roque’s request should be denied.
The Petition: No Grounds for Asylum?
According to Vega, Roque—who once served as the spokesperson for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte—has no legitimate claim to asylum. He argues that Roque is not a victim of political persecution, pointing out that Duterte’s allies still hold significant political power in the Philippines.
Vega also raises concerns about Roque allegedly using the Dutch asylum system to escape potential legal trouble in the Philippines. He points to Roque’s reported links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which have recently been outlawed, and criticizes his refusal to appear before a joint congressional hearing on the issue last year.
“A Nuisance Request”
In his letter, Vega warns that granting asylum to Roque would not only undermine Dutch immigration laws but also waste resources meant for genuine asylum seekers. He insists that Roque does not meet the criteria for asylum, as he is not facing threats of execution, torture, or persecution in the Philippines.
Taking Action: A Petition for the Public
Alongside his formal letter to the IND, Vega has also sent a modified Dutch version to Volkskrant, a major Dutch daily newspaper, for their Letters to the Editor section. He has further launched a Change.org petition urging people to support his call to block Roque’s application.
Vega’s move has sparked online discussions, with many debating whether Roque deserves asylum or if this is merely an attempt to dodge accountability back home.
What’s Next?
Roque has yet to publicly respond to Vega’s petition, but with growing attention on the issue, it remains to be seen how the Dutch immigration authorities will act on the request.
For those who want to support Vega’s petition, he has provided a link to the Change.org campaign: https://chng.it/FBRxKypykw.
The Petition: No Grounds for Asylum?
According to Vega, Roque—who once served as the spokesperson for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte—has no legitimate claim to asylum. He argues that Roque is not a victim of political persecution, pointing out that Duterte’s allies still hold significant political power in the Philippines.
Vega also raises concerns about Roque allegedly using the Dutch asylum system to escape potential legal trouble in the Philippines. He points to Roque’s reported links to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which have recently been outlawed, and criticizes his refusal to appear before a joint congressional hearing on the issue last year.
“A Nuisance Request”
In his letter, Vega warns that granting asylum to Roque would not only undermine Dutch immigration laws but also waste resources meant for genuine asylum seekers. He insists that Roque does not meet the criteria for asylum, as he is not facing threats of execution, torture, or persecution in the Philippines.
Taking Action: A Petition for the Public
Alongside his formal letter to the IND, Vega has also sent a modified Dutch version to Volkskrant, a major Dutch daily newspaper, for their Letters to the Editor section. He has further launched a Change.org petition urging people to support his call to block Roque’s application.
Vega’s move has sparked online discussions, with many debating whether Roque deserves asylum or if this is merely an attempt to dodge accountability back home.
What’s Next?
Roque has yet to publicly respond to Vega’s petition, but with growing attention on the issue, it remains to be seen how the Dutch immigration authorities will act on the request.
For those who want to support Vega’s petition, he has provided a link to the Change.org campaign: https://chng.it/FBRxKypykw.
Mar 22, 2025
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