Harry Roque (Facebook)
 

The House quad-committee (quad-comm) has issued a subpoena to lawyer Harry Roque's former executive assistant, Alberto Rodulfo “AR” Dela Serna, whom solons believe have something important to contribute to the inquiry on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). 

The subpoena--which is a strong-worded summon--was issued after Dela Serna skipped the special four-way panel's Aug. 22 hearing. Instead of attending in person, he submitted an excuse letter through his lawyer, Kevin San Agustin. 

The validity of the excuse was questioned by Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, one of the co-chairmen of the quad-comm. 

“The excuse letter that was signed by Atty. Agustin is not valid,” Paduano declared, as he noted that the lawyer didn't provide any proof of his legal authority to represent Dela Serna. 

The veteran congressman--known for his no-nonsense attitude--was the one who moved for the issuance of a subpoena against Dela Serna. 

Last Aug. 16, Dela Serna was issued a show cause order by the quad-comm as part of its ongoing investigation into the links between POGOs, the illegal drug trade, unlawful land acquisitions by Chinese nationals, and extrajudicial killings tied to the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs". 

Roque, who attended the Aug. 22 hearing, formerly served as ex-president Rodrigo Duterte's official spokesperson. 

When Roque’s name became entangled in the government’s crackdown on POGO hubs operated by Chinese high-rollers, Dela Serna—a former male pageant contestant who represented the Philippines in the 2016 Mister Supranational competition in Poland—also came under intense public scrutiny. 

Dela Serna’s connection to Roque was revealed during a raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, a known POGO hub. 

During the raid, authorities discovered Dela Serna’s appointment papers as executive assistant III under Roque’s office, dated Oct. 5, 2021, along with an affidavit from Roque assuming full responsibility for Dela Serna’s financial needs during a trip to Poland, Ukraine, and Italy in October 2023. 

These findings have raised serious questions about the nature of their relationship and the legitimacy of their travels.