The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Sunday said that the deportation of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is possible only after the asylum issue has been decided.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez noted that the Philippine government respects the legal processes and laws of the Netherlands.
“No deportation or extradition can proceed until the asylum issue is decided. Once done, the red notice, deportation and other legal remedies available in the arsenal of [the] government will come into play. Patience is a virtue,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response to the appeal of former lawmaker Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr. urging other fugitives to surrender themselves before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Vasquez explained that “any fugitive from justice can surrender to any law enforcement agency.”
He underscored that no person under the custody of the DOJ was treated poorly citing Alice Guo and Mary Jane Veloso.
Likewise, the fear of torture is ‘grossly mistaken,’ according to him.
“We apply the law equally regardless of race, color, creed or political affiliation. All accused are accorded their rights under the constitution and the law and we all endeavor to respect them,” he added.
