Harry Roque Joins Senate Probe into Recently-Raided POGO Hubs

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque attended the Senate investigation on Monday into the recently-raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs in Luzon.

Despite notifying the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality that he could not attend due to a scheduled court hearing, Roque appeared at the investigation. In his July 26 letter, Roque stated, “I regret that I will not be able to participate in the scheduled public hearing or inquiry as I have a previously scheduled court hearing before the Regional Trial Court of Manila.” He attached a copy of the amended court order for the continuation of a cross-examination in a criminal case where he serves as a private prosecutor.

Roque was invited to the Senate inquiry after Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation chairman Alejandro Tengco mentioned in a previous hearing that Roque had assisted Lucky South 99, the recently-raided POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga, in reapplying for a license and settling arrears. Roque, who served during the Duterte administration, was no longer a public official when the meeting occurred.

In a prior press statement, Roque denied being legal counsel for any illegal POGO, including Lucky South 99. However, Tengco claimed that Roque was listed as the legal head in the organization chart submitted by Lucky South 99 to PAGCOR for their license reapplication.

Speaking to US-based supporters of the Duterte family last week, Roque announced his intention to reveal the protectors of POGOs during the Senate hearing. “I’m going to unveil a fact on the 29th of July at the hall of the Senate,” Roque stated at an event in Woodside, Queens. Roque emphasized that the public needs to know who truly holds power over POGOs in the Philippines.

Source: GMANews