Harry Roque (Facebook)

Chairmen of the quad-committee (quad-comm) have branded lawyer Harry Roque as a "fugitive" from the House of Representatives as he has gone into hiding following the issuance of an arrest order from the chamber. 

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr., and Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez all criticized the former spokesperson of ex-president Duterte for choosing to take flight instead of facing the joint panel. 

“As far as Mr. Roque is concerned, he is considered a fugitive from justice by defying the Quadcom’s order to place him under detention. We welcome whatever legal challenge he may opt to against quad-comm. But he needs to get arrested first before he can file those petitions before the Supreme Court (SC),” Barbers said.  

Barbers said that "fugitive" in the United States (US) legal system is defined as "any person who is hiding from law enforcement officials to avoid arrest. The fugitive meaning in most jurisdictions can mean someone who has an arrest warrant that is evading law and avoiding punishment. This is where the fugitive from justice phrase comes from.” 

“Mr. Roque can run but he cannot hide from the law. Once arrested and files his petitions or legal remedy before the Supreme Court [SC], the  will respect and abide with whatever decision the high court would dish out,” added the quad-comm overall chairman. 

“If he truly believes in transparency and accountability, he should willingly face the quad-comm and clear his name. Refusing to submit subpoenaed documents and avoiding the committee’s summons only deepens the shadow of doubt hanging over him,” noted Barbers. 

Roque was ordered arrested and detained by the quad-comm after being cited for contempt a second time after failing to submit subpoenaed documents crucial to the joint panel's investigation, including his tax records and statement of assets, liabilities, and not worth (SALN). 

Instead of complying, Roque has gone into hiding and vowed not to surrender. 

“The law applies to everyone. Roque’s actions are not about standing up for his rights—they are about avoiding accountability. He is not above the law,” stressed Abante, one of the co-chairmen of the special four-way panel. 

“Instead of cooperating, he has chosen to evade, delay, and now openly defy the lawful orders of Congress,” said Abante, who added that “Flight is an indication of guilt." 

In the course of its hearings, the quad-comm uncovered evidence linking Roque to Lucky South 99, an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Porac, Pampanga, which was raided last June, and where authorities unearthed evidence of illegal activities such as human trafficking, torture, scam farms, prostitution, and pornography.

House not out of line 

Abante dismissed Roque’s attacks on the quad-comm and instead reminded the controversial lawyer that "Congress has the authority to investigate, and his defiance only fuels suspicion that he is trying to conceal evidence that can incriminate him.” 

This was echoed by Fernandez, another co-chairman. 

"The House of Representatives is not acting arbitrarily. We are simply seeking the truth. Mr. Roque is responsible for clearing his name if he believes these allegations are baseless. Dodging the inquiry only raises more questions," he said. 

“His actions are telling. If he had no involvement with illegal POGO activities, he should have nothing to fear from cooperating with the committee,” Fernandez added. 

Barbers reiterated the importance of complying with the rule of law, especially for public figures and those in positions of influence. 

“Roque should set an example, not avoid accountability. If he continues to resist, it will only reinforce the public’s perception that he is guilty of the allegations,” said the Mindanaoan. 

Roque has denied any involvement with POGOs, but Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro raised during the previous quad-comm hearing last Sept. 12 the stark contrast between the lawyer's modest government salary and the sudden surge in his assets, including shares in Biancham Holdings, a family-owned company. 

Luistro argues that Roque's inability to explain the sources of his wealth bolsters the evidence of his potential involvement with POGOs. 

“It is the humble submission of this representation that the quad-comm has established overwhelming circumstantial evidence showing the connection of Atty. Harry Roque to Lucky South 99, a POGO,” the lady solon said during the hearing.