Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque accused Congress of “power tripping” on Monday, following a contempt and arrest order issued against him in connection with alleged illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) activities.
Roque, who served under the Duterte administration, asserted his innocence and refused to submit to the orders of the House of Representatives’ four-committee group, or QuadComm. “Hindi ako pugante dahil ako po ay lumabag sa batas. Pugante ako sa Kongreso lamang, wala po akong pakialam,” Roque said in a Facebook live video. He went on to say, “Nagpa-power tripping na po sila,” criticizing lawmakers for immediately citing him in contempt when his responses were unfavorable.
The contempt order came after Roque allegedly failed to submit documents that would justify the increase in his family’s Biancham Holdings and Trading wealth—from P125,000 in 2014 to P67.7 million in 2018. The QuadComm took action after Roque initially agreed to provide the necessary documentation but later filed a motion to quash the subpoena.
In response to the arrest warrant issued on September 13, Roque called the order illegal and stated he would await the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter. “Kinikilala ko po na kinakailangang magkaroon ng desisyon sa Korte Suprema,” Roque said, adding that he would not surrender his freedom in the meantime.
Roque had previously faced contempt from the same committee after missing a House inquiry on August 16, though he was only detained for 24 hours.
Reacting to Roque’s defiance, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, chair of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said Roque must face the consequences of his actions. “We respect his decision… but [he] must expect the repercussions,” Fernandez remarked.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco added that Roque should appear before the lawmakers, stating, “The best thing he can do is to just appear at the QuadComm hearing to explain his side.”