Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was admonished during a Senate hearing on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) on Monday, with a senator threatening him with contempt for alleged disrespect towards the chairperson.
According to an ABS-CBN News report, Roque was present at the Senate Committee on Women hearing, led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, to deny allegations connecting him to Lucky South 99, a POGO based in Porac, Pampanga, which was recently raided for illegal activities.
Raising his voice, Roque criticized Hontiveros, accusing her of “insinuating” his involvement with the illegal POGO. Hontiveros and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) had previously presented a document listing Roque as the legal officer of Lucky South 99.
Roque dismissed the document’s validity, claiming it did not prove his ties to the POGO. He then proceeded to lecture the senators on Senate rules regarding evidence presentation. “You don’t need to tell the committee about the rules of the Senate,” Hontiveros retorted.
When Roque interrupted, Hontiveros responded firmly, “No, no, no, excuse me.”
“I’m sorry madam, but I am a resource person invited here… I thought we were engaged in the search for the truth,” Roque replied.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian intervened, urging Roque to respect Hontiveros or face being cited in contempt, which could result in arrest and detention at the Senate. “Atty. Roque, please be reminded to respect the chairperson,” Gatchalian warned. Roque insisted, “I’m very respectful of madam chair.”
“Panong respectful eh nagsasalita siya sinasabayan mo sya… One more and I will cite you in contempt,” Gatchalian reiterated. Roque then issued an apology.