MANILA — Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque is now considered a “fugitive” by the House of Representatives after evading a hearing regarding his alleged involvement in illegal offshore gaming operations, a lawmaker said on Monday.
Roque is being linked to Lucky South 99, a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub in Porac, Pampanga, raided earlier this year due to illegal activities. He was previously detained for missing a House Quad Committee hearing, which he attributed to a scheduling error. Since then, Roque has portrayed himself as a “political detainee” and claims the administration is targeting him for supporting the Dutertes.
Despite attempts by the House Sergeant-at-Arms and Philippine National Police to locate him, Roque has been untraceable for several days, according to Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel. If Roque fails to attend the next hearing, lawmakers may seek a hold-departure order (HDO) to prevent him from leaving the country.
Pimentel expressed confusion over Roque’s refusal to participate, stating that no charges have been filed yet, and questioned, “If he has nothing to hide, why doesn’t he want to appear?”
Roque has also been cited for contempt for failing to submit requested documents, such as business records and tax returns. Meanwhile, Roque’s wife, Mylah, has also ignored a subpoena to attend the hearings, with a show-cause order possibly forthcoming to explain her absence. Roque has denied any involvement with Lucky South 99’s illegal activities.
