Former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (Camille Ante / MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives quad-committee (quad-comm) has issued a show-case order to Mylah Roque, the wife of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, for failing to appear in the ongoing investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

During the quad-comm’s sixth public hearing on Thursday, Sept. 19, Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen "Caraps" Paduano put forward the motion.

Paduano, a co-chairman of the quad-comm, said Mrs. Roque should explain why she should not be cited for contempt for repeatedly ignoring invitations to attend the hearings.

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the lead chairman of the mega-panel, approved the motion after hearing no objections.

Mylah Roque, a former trustee of the Pag-IBIG Fund representing private employers, had been invited to clarify her role in signing a lease agreement with Chinese nationals linked to an illegal POGO in Bamban, Tarlac.

These Chinese nationals, namely Sun Liming and Wang Keping, were arrested during a raid in Benguet last July on a property owned by a corporation called PH2, which is a subsidiary of the Roque family’s Biancham Holdings.

Despite multiple invitations, Mrs. Roque has not attended any of the committee’s hearings.

The quad-comm has been investigating Harry Roque; his wife; and former executive assistant, Alberto Rodulfo “AR” Dela Serna over their alleged involvements in illegal POGO activities.

The joint panel—composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—claimed that there is also “overwhelming circumstantial evidence” linking Roque to the illegal POGO hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.

During a raid by authorities last June, evidence of human trafficking, torture, scam farms, prostitution, and other illegal activities were found in the hub.

Lawmakers also flagged the sudden surge in Roque’s assets during the POGO boom under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte. This further fueled suspicions on his involvement in the controversial industry.

The committee is also probing Dela Serna, who has admitted to having a joint bank account with Roque. This revelation led to questions about their personal ties and possible involvements in illegal POGOs.