The Flaw in Roque’s Statement: Why He Is Not Automatically Protected by No-Refoulement

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque declared that he could no longer be sent back to the Philippines after applying for asylum in the Netherlands. According to him, this is due to the principle of "no-refoulement," which he claims grants him absolute protection from deportation—even if a warrant of arrest is issued against him.


But the real question is: Is his claim actually true? Or is this just a desperate attempt to evade accountability?


What Is No-Refoulement?

"No-refoulement" is a principle in international law that prohibits a country from forcibly returning an asylum seeker to a place where they may face torture, persecution, or other severe dangers.


However, there is an important caveat: this protection is not automatically granted to anyone who merely files an asylum application. It is only given after thorough scrutiny and official approval of an individual’s asylum status. In short, simply applying does not guarantee absolute protection from deportation.


The Major Flaw in Roque’s Statement
By his own admission, Roque is still in the process of applying for asylum—it has not yet been approved. This means that there is no official declaration from the Dutch government confirming that he qualifies for protection under no-refoulement. Therefore, he cannot use this principle as a defense to claim that he cannot be sent back to the Philippines.


Furthermore, there are two key reasons why his asylum claim could be rejected:


Involvement in Crimes

Under Article 1F of the 1951 Refugee Convention, asylum cannot be granted to individuals involved in serious crimes or activities contrary to the principles of the United Nations. If evidence emerges that Roque was involved in any illegal activities while in government, he may be disqualified from protection under international law.


The Netherlands Has Discretion
Even if he alleges political persecution, the Dutch government has the right to determine whether his asylum application is valid. This status is not granted automatically, and if it is proven that he does not face a real threat to his life or safety, he can be deported back to the Philippines.


The Real Reason Behind Roque’s Attempt to Escape

A crucial question arises: If Roque truly has a strong case for asylum, why is he announcing it on social media instead of quietly following the legal process? Such a statement could be a strategic move to gain public sympathy and preempt any government action to bring him back to the Philippines.


Spreading misinformation is a common tactic used to confuse the public and escape accountability. However, in this case, Roque’s dramatic claims will not deceive either the Dutch legal system or the Philippine authorities.


What Could Happen to Roque?

If it is determined that his asylum application lacks merit, he can be sent back to the Philippines to face any pending charges against him. Even the Netherlands, a country known for its strict refugee protection laws, has rules against individuals abusing the asylum system to evade legal responsibility.


In the end, the law—not his own version of the truth—will decide his fate.

PHLPost Rolls Out Lower Rates for Trackable Domestic and International Mail Services

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a major move to provide Filipinos with more affordable and efficient mailing services, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has introduced promotional lower rates for both domestic and international tracked mail services, including its Express Mail Service (EMS). This initiative aims to make postal services more accessible, offering the public a cost-effective alternative to expensive courier options while ensuring reliability and efficiency.

A Commitment to Affordability and Efficiency

Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos emphasized that the revised rates will help Filipinos save on mailing costs while benefiting from high-quality service.

"We are proud to share the benefits of our operational improvements with the public. This promotional rate reduction for domestic and international mail services reflects our commitment to better serving our customers and enhancing the economic well-being of Filipino communities," PMG Carlos stated.

PHLPost attributes this pricing adjustment to effective governance, streamlined operations, and cost-saving measures that have significantly improved efficiency. With these changes, customers can expect better value without compromising service quality.

How the New Rates Work

The computation for the new applicable rates is based on the volumetric weight of mail and packages, with pricing varying depending on the delivery area. More remote and hard-to-reach locations may have different rates compared to major urban centers.

For example, under the new pricing scheme:

A Domestic Tracked Item mailed within Metro Manila (NCR) costs only ₱25 for the first 50 grams, providing customers with an affordable way to track the date of mailing and delivery.

International mail services now offer the lowest rates in the market.

Sending a 1.5 kg package to Japan costs ₱1,680

To Singapore, ₱1,254

To Australia, ₱1,870

To Canada, ₱2,291

To the United Kingdom, ₱1,823

To the United States, ₱2,250

The International Express Mail Service (EMS) rates vary by destination.

For Australia, the rate starts at ₱444.50 for the first 500 grams and ₱2,413 for the first kilogram.

For the United Kingdom, ₱513.50 for the first 500 grams and ₱3,018 for the first kilogram.

For the United States, ₱631.50 for the first 500 grams and ₱2,182 for the first kilogram.

For Singapore, ₱240 for the first 500 grams and ₱1,167 for the first kilogram.

Increased Accessibility, Greater Public Benefit

PMG Carlos acknowledged that high courier rates have long been a burden for the public, with private courier services often charging exorbitant fees.

"With these new promo rates, we offer a better alternative—one that allows individuals and businesses to fulfill their mailing needs at a fraction of the cost," he said.

PHLPost expects increased usage of its services, given the new competitive rates. Additionally, the agency reassures the public that despite the lower prices, efficiency and service standards will remain top-notch.

"We are confident that more people will turn to PHLPost for their mailing needs, both locally and internationally. Our commitment to providing efficient, reliable, and cost-effective services remains unwavering," PMG Carlos added.

Ensuring Transparency and Service Excellence

PHLPost’s new promotional rates are a direct result of cost-saving measures, operational streamlining, and a renewed focus on transparency and accountability. These efforts have enabled the corporation to pass on savings to customers, aligning with its mission to provide affordable and dependable postal services nationwide.

For a complete list of promotional rates, visit www.phlpost.gov.ph.

"Even with the new rates, we assure the public that their mail and packages will be handled with efficiency and the highest standards of service," PMG Carlos reiterated.

With these changes, PHLPost is setting a new standard in the Philippine courier industry, reinforcing its role as a trusted and affordable mailing service provider for millions of Filipinos.

DepEd Boosts Procurement Reforms with Suppliers’ Registry and Faster Supply Delivery to Schools

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, is making bold strides in procurement reforms to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and fairness in government transactions. These initiatives are in line with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s commitment to good governance and accountability.

Sec. Angara emphasized these reforms at the inaugural Suppliers’ Summit, held from March 19-20 at Century Park Hotel, Manila. The event brought together around 250 suppliers and service providers, fostering dialogue on procurement improvements, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.

“Sa ating mga suppliers at bidders—hindi lang kayo negosyo. Kayo ay kaagapay po natin sa reporma. Wala nang dahilan para maantala. Green light na—para sa mas maayos na procurement, para sa dekalidad na edukasyon,” Angara declared.

Suppliers’ Registry: A Game-Changer in Procurement

At the forefront of these reforms is the launch of the DepEd Suppliers’ Registry, a digital platform that streamlines supplier engagement and procurement processes. By providing businesses with direct access to bidding opportunities, the registry aims to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance market participation, and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Suppliers can now register their products and services at:

➡ https://suppliers.deped.gov.ph/

Through this portal, suppliers receive real-time bid alerts and can communicate directly with DepEd, ensuring faster transactions and timely delivery of learning resources to schools nationwide.

As the principal author of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), Sec. Angara stressed that reforming procurement processes is crucial to prevent delays and enhance the efficiency of the education sector.

P2.7 Billion in Projects Awarded for Learning Resources

DepEd’s procurement reforms are already making an impact. Undersecretary for Procurement and Finance Oversight Rowena Ruiz reported that through Early Procurement Activities (EPA), the department has successfully awarded:

₱1.9 billion worth of DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) projects, which include 64,000 laptops and smart TV packages

₱864 million worth of learning resources, providing 87 million modules and 74,000 tablets

“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd has taken bold steps to streamline the procurement process, eliminate inefficiencies, and uphold integrity. Simple lang ang mantra namin. Tatlo lang iyon. Three words: maayos, mabilis, malinis,” said Undersecretary and Head of Procuring Entity Peter Irving Corvera.

Suppliers as Partners in Education

The summit underscored the critical role of suppliers in providing educators with the necessary tools to enhance learning outcomes. Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing DepEd’s mission.

“This is the perfect example of the collaboration and partnership with our suppliers. You help us equip our schools, empower our teachers, and inspire learners,” Panontongan stated.

Showcasing Innovation and Future Opportunities

The event also featured a Market Opportunities Exhibit, where suppliers showcased cutting-edge educational products and services alongside DepEd’s 2025 project plans.

Additionally, a series of plenary and breakout sessions covered key topics, including:

The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA)

The Tatak Pinoy Act

DepEd’s major procurement initiatives for 2025

Prominent experts from various organizations contributed valuable insights, including:

Atty. Catherine Jennifer Francis Gonzales (World Bank)

Ms. Soma Misra (Asian Development Bank)

Atty. Herminio Bagro (US-ASEAN Business Council)

Ms. Carmen Zubiaga (WOWLEAP)

Driving a Transparent and Efficient Education System

With these reforms, DepEd is ensuring that procurement processes are more transparent, supplier-friendly, and aligned with the needs of the education sector. Through initiatives like the Suppliers’ Registry, Early Procurement Activities, and an inclusive supplier engagement strategy, the department is setting new standards in government procurement.

As Secretary Angara puts it:

“Green light na—para sa mas maayos na procurement, para sa dekalidad na edukasyon.”

With these reforms, DepEd is paving the way for a faster, fairer, and more efficient supply system—one that benefits schools, teachers, and millions of Filipino learners.