By Junex Doronio

MANILA — The House Quad Committee on Thursday (12 Sept 2024) cited former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in contempt for the second time after he refused to submit documents related to his properties and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

“I move that we hold Harry Roque in contempt for refusing to submit the documents subject to this subpoena, which he had previously indicated he would provide,” Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores said during the resumption of the House Quad Committee’s public hearing.

The committee is investigating, in aid of legislation, the connections between the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and illegal drugs, as well as extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the previous Duterte administration.

With no objections, Quad Committee chair Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers granted the motion.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante humorously suggested that Roque be detained in the Women’s Correctional, but later admitted he misspoke as he suppressed laughter.

Flores then moved to detain Roque at the House detention facility until he complies with the committee’s requirements. Roque was notably absent from the Thursday hearing.

Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro raised concerns about Roque’s sudden increase in assets.

“There is a question regarding the source of funds for Biancham Corporation, which is owned by Atty. Harry Roque. If he cannot prove the legal and valid source of this sudden increase in assets, there is reasonable ground to believe he is connected with POGO operations, and the money may have come from those activities,” Luistro remarked.

This marks the second time Roque has been cited in contempt by the House Quad Committee.

The first instance occurred on August 22 when he was found to have lied about his whereabouts.

Roque had claimed he was attending a court hearing in Manila on August 16, preventing him from attending the House investigation.

He was detained for one day in the air-conditioned House detention facility.

ia/mnm