Former Philippine presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s bid for political asylum in Austria remains unresolved after exceeding the normal six-month processing period, a lawmaker said Tuesday, challenging an earlier government claim that the bid had been rejected.
Camarines Sur Representative Arnie Fuentebella told lawmakers that the application had been “neither approved nor disapproved,” according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He did not confirm whether it remains under active review.
Austrian government guidance cited by the Inquirer says asylum proceedings can exceed six months but should not last more than 21 months.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said last week that the application had been denied after the usual processing period elapsed. Roque disputed the account and maintained that his request was still pending.
Roque is wanted in the Philippines on non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges tied to Lucky South 99, a former Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Porac, Pampanga. A court issued an arrest warrant in May 2025.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation previously identified Roque as the POGO’s alleged ‘legal head.’ Roque denied representing Lucky South 99 and has rejected the case against him as politically motivated.
