MANILA — The House of Representatives Quad Committee (Quadcom) urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to surrender, after the Supreme Court dismissed his legal defense against the committee’s detention order. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing investigation into the illegal activities associated with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
According to Philippines News Agency, Representatives Dan Fernandez of Santa Rosa City and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte spearheaded the demand following the Supreme Court’s rejection on October 1 of Roque’s petition for a writ of amparo. The court clarified that the writ is applicable only in cases of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances, which do not pertain to Roque’s situation. “Surrender now, Attorney Roque,” Fernandez stated, emphasizing that Roque’s legal strategies to avoid detention are now ineffective.
Fernandez highlighted that the Supreme Court has affirmed no rights were violated in Roque’s case, dismissing any grounds for evasion based on supposed rights abuses. “This is not the time for making excuses. Attorney Roque should face the music and answer the allegations in the proper forum. The law should prevail. He should not hide behind technicalities or writs that have no basis,” he added, stressing the importance of accountability, especially for those in positions of influence.
Barbers, the overall chair of Quadcom and also the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, underscored the broader implications of the investigation, which has unearthed troubling links between POGOs and criminal activities, including illegal drug syndicates and extrajudicial killings. “The Quad Committee is uncovering layers of criminal activities tied to POGOs, and we need full transparency from everyone involved,” Barbers expressed, questioning Roque’s reluctance to cooperate. “If Attorney Roque has nothing to hide, why is he hiding? The public deserves to know the truth.”
Barbers also called on Roque to respect the legal process and cease creating public confusion. “If he believes he is innocent, he should welcome the opportunity to clear his name in a proper legal forum. Trying to escape through technicalities only raises more suspicions,” he concluded, describing the investigation as pivotal in dismantling a complex web of criminality that poses a significant threat to society.