Malacañang on Wednesday distanced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from the mounting legal troubles of former Duterte spokesperson Harry Roque, clarifying that the administration had no part in the offshore gaming deals tied to his current case.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that President Marcos was never involved in Roque’s dealings with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99—the latter being the firm linked to a 2024 government raid in Porac, Pampanga.
“Hindi naman po niya yata kasama ang Pangulo nang siya ay nakipag-deal sa Whirlwind at sa Lucky South 99. Hindi rin po niya kasama ang Pangulo nang siya ay naglakad ng permit or license ng Lucky South 99,” Castro said in a briefing, rejecting any attempts to implicate the President.
Roque, who once campaigned for Marcos Jr. in 2022, has recently accused the government of political persecution after a warrant was issued against him in a qualified human trafficking case. He is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands and has publicly blamed the administration, saying he “will never forgive” it for the consequences that led to his separation from his family.
Despite Roque’s denial that he legally represented Lucky South 99, state prosecutors maintain he was involved in its government license application. Roque has admitted to representing Whirlwind Corp., the land lessor of the POGO compound, but not the operator itself.
Castro also pointed out that Roque had voluntarily appeared before congressional hearings to discuss the POGO firm’s activities, raising questions about his current narrative. “Lahat ng ito ay wala ang Pangulo sa kaniyang tabi—so, paano niyang isisisi ito sa Pangulo at sa administrasyon?” she said.
Calling on Roque to stop being an “obstructionist” and to act as a “true” Filipino, the Palace reiterated its appeal for him to return to the country and confront the charges.
