Pandi Mayor Rico Roque was released from the Northern Police District Dagat-Dagatan jail on Monday, December 23, 2024, following a successful appeal to quash the arrest warrant related to rape charges. The decision was made by the Caloocan City Regional Trial Court, allowing Roque to leave detention and return to his duties at the municipal hall by 3 p.m., where he was greeted by enthusiastic supporters.
Roque’s camp has dismissed the allegations as false, politically motivated, and a form of harassment. The mayor expressed confidence in the judicial system, asserting that the charges against him were baseless. He pointed out the absence of the complainant, Mikaela, and questioned the validity of her claims, noting that he has not lived in Bagong Silang, Caloocan, for 15 years.
Alongside Roque, Councilor Jonjon Roxas and LGU employee Roel Raymundo, both from Pandi, Bulacan, are also implicated in the case. Roxas is currently hospitalized with pneumonia at Delos Santos Medical Center.
Roque’s attorney, John Ree Doctor, clarified that while the motion to quash the arrest warrant was granted, the case itself remains active. It will be sent back to the City Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation, indicating that the legal battle is far from over.