MANILA, Philippines– An online petition initiated by Filipino-Dutch writer Joel Vega to contest former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s asylum application in the Netherlands has surpassed 21,000 signatures as of Wednesday evening.
Joel Vega launched the petition over the weekend, expressing opposition to Roque’s asylum request.
The petition aims to persuade the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Services to deny Roque’s application.
Participants in the petition argue that Roque should not receive asylum in the Netherlands.
Roque applied for asylum in the Netherlands amid ongoing investigations by the Department of Justice in the Philippines.
He contends that the application process grants him protection from deportation while under review.
The formal letter accompanying the petition was sent to the Dutch authorities, echoing the same concerns.
Roque’s bid for asylum follows an arrest warrant issued against him in the Philippines.
According to his supporters, Roque intends to act as counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Netherlands.