Lawyer Harry Roque








 

Chairmen of the House quad-committee (quad-comm) has slammed on Saturday, Sept. 14 the apparent defiance shown by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who according to authorities is nowhere to be found. 

Quad-comm co-chairman Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez stressed that no one is above the law, not even Roque who used to be former president Rodrigo Duterte's official mouthpiece. 

“The PNP (Philippine National Police) is now fully engaged in the manhunt for Atty. Harry Roque, and we are coordinating closely with the National Capital Region Police Office and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to ensure his swift apprehension,” said Fernandez. 

“No one is above the law, and we will not tolerate anyone defying the authority of Congress or evading accountability,” added Fernandez, referring to Roque’s failure to attend the last two hearings of the vaunted quad-comm. 

PNP operatives have been deployed to Roque’s last known location at the Antel Corporation Centre in Makati City, but his whereabouts remain unknown. 

Authorities suspect Roque may be in hiding as the investigation into his alleged ties to Lucky South 99, a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, gains momentum in the House of Representatives. 

Roque had been cited for contempt by the special four-way panel for failing to present key documents, including his statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) and records connected to his family firm, Biancham Holdings, as well as a land transaction in Parañaque City. 

Fernandez condemned Roque’s actions, saying that his blatant disregard for the House’s authority is a direct challenge to the institution. 

“This kind of defiance cannot be taken lightly, as it underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him. We will pursue this matter through all available legal avenues until justice is served,” Fernandez emphasized. 

The Laguna lawmaker added: "The public deserves transparency and accountability, especially in cases involving serious financial and legal concerns. Atty. Roque’s continued evasion only raises more questions about his role in the POGO controversy." 

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chairman of the quad-comm, described the evidence against Roque as "overwhelming". 

Barbers added that Roque’s refusal to cooperate only deepens suspicions regarding his involvement in the POGO industry. 

BUT FIRST, READ THIS: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/13/kangaroo-court-pala-ha-barbers-says-quad-comm-won-t-take-roque-s-statements-sitting-down


"Mr. Roque has been evasive, and his actions suggest that he is unwilling to face accountability. The public deserves transparency, especially in matters involving significant legal and financial questions,” he said. 

Roque has previously dismissed the quad committee’s proceedings as a “kangaroo court” and announced his refusal to participate further. 

But Barbers insisted that Roque must explain himself before the proper forum. 

“If Mr. Roque believes the court is unjust, then let him face it and prove his case. Social media pronouncements won’t justify his defiance of the law,” asserted the veteran solon from Mindanao.