MANILA – The House of Representatives is now considering former presidential spokesman Harry Roque a fugitive, according to Surigao del Sur 2nd District’s Cong. Johnny Pimentel.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Pimentel said Roque should clear himself from allegations that he is connected to the offshore gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga.
“Since Friday he’s hiding, we already consider him a fugitive,” said Pimentel said. “If he does not appear at their hearing on Thursday, members of the House Quad Committee might move to request a hold-departure order against him.”
“This is just an inquiry. There are no cases filed yet. So if he has nothing to hide why doesn’t he want to appear in our committee?” the lawmaker added.
Roque, based on documents, appeared to be lawyering for Lucky South 99, which illegally operated a POGO facility in Pampanga and was raided in June 2024 after reports of illegal activities. He has denied this claim.
Roque was previously detained for failing to attend a hearing of the House Quad Committee of four panels looking into issues related to the Duterte administration due to a scheduling mix-up.
He was cited for contempt again by the Quad Committee last week for failing to submit documents related to its inquiry into illegal POGOs, arguing that the documents requested by the joint panel were “not germane” — or relevant — to its inquiry.
However, the committee rejected his motion to quash a subpoena requiring him to submit various documents, including business records, tax returns, and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth./PN
