A Pasig City court has ordered the cancellation of the passports of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Cassandra Li Ong, citing their involvement in alleged human trafficking tied to a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) operation.
The Regional Trial Court (Branch 157) granted the cancellation after the prosecution filed an urgent motion, including a Hold-Departure Order, to prevent them from leaving the country.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has said that canceling Roque’s passport would limit his options abroad and compel him to return to face the charges. Roque is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
According to the court, the passport cancellation is justified under Philippine law because Roque and Ong are facing qualified trafficking charges.