House fears ex-Duterte spokesman now on the run
The Philippine National Police joined the intensified manhunt for former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who was declared a fugitive after being cited in contempt by the House of Representatives on Thursday.
“The PNP 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 Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, co-chairperson of the House Quad Committee.
“No one is above the law, and we will not tolerate anyone defying the authority of Congress or evading accountability,” added Fernandez, who also chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.
Roque was cited in contempt and ordered detained at the House for refusing to submit subpoenaed documents related to his alleged involvement with illegal POGOs, including his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth and records connected to his family firm, Biancham Holdings, as well as a land transaction in Parañaque City.
Despite multiple summonses, Roque ignored the joint panel and refused to cooperate, leading authorities to serve the arrest order at his Makati office, where he was not found, raising concerns of deliberate evasion.
Authorities suspect Roque may be in hiding as the investigation into his alleged ties to Lucky South 99, a raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, gains momentum.
Fernandez condemned Roque’s actions, saying his blatant disregard for the House’s authority was 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 said.
“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,” he added.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs and designated head of the Quad Committee, described the evidence against Roque as “overwhelming.”
“Mr. Roque has been evasive, and his actions suggest that he is unwilling to face accountability,” Barbers said.
He likewise rebuked Roque for previously dismissing the Quad Committee’s proceedings as a “kangaroo court.”
“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,” the lawmaker said.
Roque was linked to the POGO controversy for accompanying and helping Cassandra Li Ong, an official of Whirlwind and Lucky South 99 gaming firm, to pay off arrears totaling $500,000.
He has admitted, on record, to being lawyer for Whirlwind, the company that leased its Porac compound to Lucky South 99.
