This is despite Roque's claims that he was willing to participate in the preliminary investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Harry Roque failed to attend the preliminary investigation on his qualified human trafficking case in connection with illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).
The former presidential spokesperson failed to show up on November 18, 2024 despite his claims that he was willing to participate in the preliminary investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Justice department prosecutor Eugene Yusi said Roque had not submitted a counter-affidavit at the preliminary investigation despite being informed of the case.
“If he fails to appear or participate in the preliminary investigation, the complaint will be resolved based on the complaint and the evidence annexed to the complaint,” Yusi said in an ambush interview, as quoted by the Philippine Star.
Roque is being probed for his involvement in the operations of Lucky South 99. Roque, a former human rights lawyer, was listed in Lucky South 99's organizational chart as their "legal."
In response, Roque claimed he did not receive a subpoena.
“[I] did not get any subpoena to attend from DOJ (Department of Justice) and hence I did not. Further, I've not been furnished with complaint affidavits of PAOCC [Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission],” Roque said in a message to Philstar.com.
The complaint involves Lucky South 99 representative Cassandra Li Ong and around 50 other respondents.
During investigations, Roque's signature was found on documents linked to the POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. However, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) clarified that the document had no criminal implications, stating it might have been part of Roque's legal consultancy work unrelated to the alleged illegal activities.
Roque has denied involvement in the illegal POGO operations, emphasizing his work as a lawyer was legitimate.
Roque has notoriously skipped hearings regarding his link with POGOs, including a House Quadcomm Hearing on August 17, in which he was detained. As described by Asia Gaming Brief last September, he has referred to himself as a "political detainee," claiming that the current administration is targeting him because of his outspoken support for the Dutertes, who were previously part of the ruling coalition.
Lawmakers have since considered him a fugitive since he has been hiding. He has also been cited in contempt in September for failing to submit documents documents connected to its investigation into POGOs.
Read related article: PNP: Harboring Harry Roque May Lead to Obstruction Charges
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