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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
January 15, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Continuing her word war with the fugitive Harry Roque, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has advised the former presidential spokesman not to be a source of fake news.
Roque earlier criticized Castro over her recent remarks on YouTube that “as an alleged fugitive, he should never be assisted by the diplomatic agents of the Philippine embassy.”
At yesterday’s press briefing, Castro said, “That’s the difficult thing about Harry Roque: he listens to gossip and doesn’t watch the full content.”
Recalling her vlog, Castro said she clarified that the circulating photo of Roque and Philippine Ambassador to Austria Luli Arroyo-Bernas was taken in 2023.
Bernas is the daughter of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is an ally of the Dutertes, just like Roque.
“What we said is that as a representative of the Philippines, it would not be good to harbor a fugitive,” Castro pointed out.
“I hope (Roque) understood what harboring means. Harboring is hiding a fugitive. We are not saying that a fugitive should not be assisted. It would be better to help a fugitive return to the Philippines,” she added.
A Pasig court earlier ordered the cancellation of Roque and Lucky South 99 representative Cassandra Ong’s passports over qualified trafficking charges linked to Philippine offshore gaming operations in Porac, Pampanga.
Roque said Castro’s statement “reflects a gross ignorance of the law, diplomatic practice and the fundamental rights of Filipino citizens abroad.”
He is seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
“I categorically affirm that no Philippine diplomat is legally or ethically permitted to refuse assistance to a Filipino citizen based solely on unproven allegations,” Roque said. – Bella Cariaso
