Manila, Sept. 15 -- Malacanang on Tuesday maintained that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's asylum application has no basis in claims of political persecution, stressing that the cases against him are supported by evidence.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier announced that Roque's request for political asylum had been denied, although there has been no official announcement yet from any foreign sovereign state.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said she has yet to discuss the matter with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. but maintained that the criminal cases against Roque were not politically motivated.

"Wala pong batayan ang ginawang request ni Harry Roque na sinasabing political persecution lang ang ginagawa sa ...