Harry Roque is still not off the hook after a House panel decided to lift the contempt order against some key individuals linked to POGO-related activities
House quad committee chairman Robert Ace Barbers said Harry Roque is still not off the hook after the panel decided to lift the contempt order against some key individuals linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Barbers said former Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson still has “a lot of explaining to do” as reported by the Manila Bulletin. Roque and his wife Mylah have been cited in contempt for allegedly disregarding summons to show to hearings and arrest orders.
“Si Atty. Harry Roque ang nagsilbing abogado ng Lucky South at iyan ay napatunayan sa kanyang pakikipag-pulong kay PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco (Atty. Harry Roque served as the lawyer of Lucky South and that was proven through his meetings with PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco),” said the Mindanao lawmaker on December 12, 2024.
Rep. Dan Fernandez accused Atty. Roque of links to Chinese fugitives operating from Pinewoods Village in Benguet. He alleged that Roque and his wife control the company owning the property.
Fernandez also pointed out that Roque accompanied Cassandra Ong to a PAGCOR meeting to discuss licensing and liabilities. The property was rented by Chinese fugitives who were later arrested, raising further questions. Roque denied any wrongdoing, stating his involvement with PAGCOR was strictly legal work.
Santa Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez accused Roque of ties to Chinese fugitives operating from Pinewoods Village in Benguet, alleging Roque and his wife own a company controlling the property. He also said Roque attended meetings with PAGCOR officials regarding licenses and liabilities.
“Mismong ang chairman ng PAGCOR ang nagpatunay na sinamahan ni Atty. Roque si Cassandra Ong sa isang meeting upang talakayin ang lisensya ng PAGCOR at mga utang ng Lucky South 99 (The PAGCOR chairman himself attested that Atty. Roque accompanied Cassandra Ong in a meeting to discuss the PAGCOR license and the liabilities of Lucky South 99),” he said, as quoted by the same Manila Bulletin report.
READ: House Panel Pushes for Harry Roque's Surrender, Cites Urgency
The hearings revealed systemic violence and corruption, including testimonies about a "reward system" for killing drug suspects during Duterte's presidency, with payouts reaching up to P1 million. Barbers condemned attempts to discredit the investigation, reaffirming the panel’s commitment to uncovering the truth. He thanked the public for their trust and support in the pursuit of justice.
Read related article: Quad Comm Frees POGO Incorporator Cassandra Ong
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