Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque criticized his detention by the House of Representatives, labeling it as “abuse of power” and attributing his absence from a hearing to a misunderstanding.
Roque was cited in contempt by the House quad-committee investigating the connections between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and extrajudicial killings. The committee discovered Roque had falsely claimed to be in court during the August 16 hearing. Rep. Ron Salo (Kabayan party-list) motioned for contempt after presenting a certification from the Manila Court, which confirmed Roque’s absence on the claimed date. Despite opposition from other lawmakers, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte) approved the motion.
Roque, detained for 24 hours, argued that his detention was “political harassment.” He insisted he did not lie, attributing his absence to a mix-up with the hearing dates, believing it was set for August 15, not August 16. Roque emphasized his attendance at three out of four invitations from the committee.
Roque’s connection to POGOs has come under scrutiny, particularly his role as a legal officer for the gaming hub Lucky South 99, a POGO hub raided for alleged criminal activities. Further, PAGCOR chair Alejandro Tengco claimed Roque assisted in reapplying for the hub’s license renewal, a claim Roque has denied. In a Senate hearing in July, Roque admitted links to a house in Benguet associated with suspected POGO workers.