Despite being told that former President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly does not want his involvement in the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stood firm on his loyalty on Friday, saying he will not abandon the former chief executive.
“Tatay [Digong' ako po ay nangako hindi ko po kayo iiwan.Narito po ako hanggang sa huli," Roque delivered his message to Duterte who is currenly at The Hague, Netherlands.
Through Duterte’s legal counsel, international human rights lawyer Nicholas Kaufman, it was made known that the former president would prefer Roque to return to the Philippines and not interfere in his defense. But Roque believes this decision stems from a misunderstanding.
“Wala akong conflict kay Kaufman dahil wala akong pakialam sa kanya. Limang buwan na po niyang hinahawakan ang kaso ni Tatay Digong at wala namang narinig ang taumbayan sa akin sa kanyang paghawak,” Roque said during an exclusive interview in DZRH's Balansyado.
He recounted only three instances when he publicly commented on the ICC case: when the motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction was filed on the 50th day after Duterte was allegedly “kidnapped”; his disagreement with Kaufman’s claim that Duterte’s return depended on Marcos, and his firm belief that Duterte would never make deals in exchange for freedom.
“Hinding-hindi talaga hahalik sa puwit ng kahit sino si Tatay Digong para sa kanyang kalayaan,” Roque asserted.
Roque also reiterated his alternative legal theory, that the supposed kidnapping of Duterte renders the ICC proceedings invalid under international law — a position he said was supported by the Duterte family, including Vice President Sara Duterte.
Although he is a listed counsel at the ICC himself, Roque stressed he has not intervened in the case to avoid any ethical violations. Still, he insisted on exploring other legal remedies out of devotion to Duterte.
“Hindi po niya [Kaufman] ako mapipigil dahil ako naman po ay nagmamahal kay Tatay Digong… bagama't nasa pamilya po iyan at na kay Tatay Digong kung didinggin o hindi,” Roque explained.
Roque clarified that he never attempted to become part of Duterte’s ICC legal team without consent and only wanted to speak directly to Duterte to ask whether he wanted his assistance. He claimed, however, that Kaufman blocked his access.
“Sinulatan pa ako ng hukuman na talagang si Kaufman ang dahilan kaya hindi ako pupwedeng makapasok kay Tatay Digong,” he said.
On reports that Duterte wants him home, Roque said he would only believe it if the message came directly from Duterte himself.
“Kung sasabihin talaga iyan ni Tatay Digong sa aking mukha, tatanggapin ko po iyan. Pero habang hindi ko po naririnig iyan sa aking dalawang tenga, nangako po ako na hinding-hindi ko iiwan si Tatay Digong,” he said.
“Baka kinakailangang kaladkarin na ako paalis ng The Hague… pasensya na po kayo kung talagang matigas ang ulo ko,” he added.
Roque denied any personal feud with Kaufman, saying he supported his appointment as lead counsel on the advice of VP Sara Duterte.
“Alam niyo po, sinuportahan ko ang pagtatalaga sa kanya hindi dahil ako’y naniniwala sa kanya, kundi dahil ‘yan ay desisyon ni VP Sara,” Roque said, adding that he continues to trust her judgment.
“Nagtitiwala ako sa desisyon niya… pero siyempre, ang desisyon sa huli ay kay Tatay Digong. Abogado rin naman siya, at tiwala ako na makakagawa siya ng pasya,” Roque stated.
Roque also shared that Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, the former president’s son, once told him: “Ako raw po ang unang hahanapin ni Tatay Digong kung siya ay makakalaya,” Roque quoted.
For now, Roque said his loyalty remains unshaken.
“Patuloy akong maninindigan. Hindi ko iiwan si Tatay Digong, kahit ano pa ang sabihin ng iba,” he concluded.
