By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The House Quad Committee has denied a motion by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to quash a subpoena requiring him to submit key documents, including business records, tax returns, and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro moved to deny Roque’s request, which was swiftly approved by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chair of the Quad Committee and head of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
Roque had previously promised to provide the joint panel with copies of these documents, which are critical to an investigation into his alleged ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Rep. Luistro highlighted the inconsistency between Roque’s limited government salary and the sudden increase in his assets, including shares in Biancham Holdings, a family-owned company, despite his denial of POGO involvement.
Luistro further argued that if Roque cannot account for his wealth, it could bolster suspicions of his connection to POGO activities. She emphasized that the probe could lead to legislative reforms, potentially revisiting laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and even the Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers.
A visibly frustrated Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chair of the Committee on Human Rights, also pushed for Roque to explain his absence at hearings on August 28 and September 4. He urged the Quad Committee to compel Roque’s attendance at the next session.
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