The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it could not discount the possible involvement of former Palace spokesman Harry Roque in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), saying his name keeps on cropping up in the documents and testimonies related to the industry.

PAOCC spokesman Dr. Winston Casio said this as the PAOCC continues its investigation on POGOs ahead of planned large-scale operations that aim to arrest individuals who continue to run their companies.

In a news forum on Saturday, Aug. 24, Casio said Roque's footprints are everywhere in the PAOCC's investigation into POGOs, which has been declared illegal in the country.

"Given the benefit of the doubt in relation to what he is saying, but then again now that his name keeps on cropping up in the documents, in the digital footprint, in the testimonial footprint," he said.

“We cannot discount his possible involvement in all of these matters," he added.

According to Casio, Roque's name appearing on "everything" could not be a mere coincidence.

"I don’t believe in coincidence anymore as far as Harry Roque is concerned," he said.

"His footprint is everywhere.  But, of course, you have to put one plus equals two to create a case, complete a case," he added.

The official, however,  declined to comment if Roque was the highest government official being probed or what kind of evidence the PAOCC has against Roque to build a case against the lawyer.

"Again, no comment as I will not give our aces before the public," Casio said.

Aside from Roque, Casio said the PAOCC is currently investigating the people whose names appear in their investigation, including bureaucrats, tenured officers, and former government officials.

He, however, clarified that PAOCC's probe into POGOs is not politically motivated.

"We are not politically motivated. We are based on evidence," Casio said.

"So, defer to their wisdom, in the time that they need to read through the evidence submitted by both parties. Once they are finished going through the evidence, then I am confident that they would see the argument our way," he added.

'Just submit the evidence'

In a statement, Roque asked Casio to stop putting him on trial by publicity and just submit whatever evidence they have.

"Enough of this baseless trial by publicity aimed at discrediting me in the court of public opinion," he said.

"I ask the PAOCC to submit their evidence to the Prosecutor's Office. Even without seeing them, the case against me is utterly bereft of merit since trafficking requires the act of recruiting persons through force or intimidation for the purpose of exploiting their labor," he added.

Roque said he was not afraid to face his accusers.

"I look forward to the day that I will face my accusers in the proper court. Haharapin ko kayo ng buong talino at buong tapang," he said.

"Let me give them this gentle reminder: There will be a day of reckoning for those who bear false witness against innocent officers of the court," he added.