By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chief Alejandro Tengco revealed on Wednesday (10 July 2024) that Atty. Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson, assisted in the license application of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
During the hearing on illegal POGOs on Wednesday (10 July 2024), Tengco mentioned that Roque lobbied for the POGO hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, which was earlier raided by the authorities.
The Pagcor official told the Senate panel that Roque asked if he could get an appointment with Pagcor.
“Noon pong ika-26 ng Hulyo 2023, nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na bumisita po sa aking tanggapan sa Pagcor…siya po ay nabigyan ng appointment at siya po ay dumating sa aking tanggapan,” he said.
Tengco said that Roque visited his office with Cassandra Lee Ong from Lucky South 99 and they asked to settle the license and unpaid arrears.
However, he clarified that Roque did not pressure him to grant his request, adding that Roque only facilitated Ong.
“Bilang abogado siguro, bilang kliyente niya. Nagfa-facilitate lang siya at nakikiusap lang siya,” he said.
Meanwhile, Roque issued a statement, saying that he was never a legal counsel of Lucky South 99.
“I am not and have never been a legal counsel to any illegal POGO. Neither was I counsel to Lucky South 99, Incorporated. I also did not participate in preparing Lucky South’s organizational chart, which identified me as their legal counsel,” Roque said in an official statement.
“As clearly stated by PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco in today’s Senate hearing, I requested a rescheduling of arrears payment of a lessee and principal of my client Whirlwind Corporation. My client is a service provider to Lucky South, then a holder of a valid license from PAGCOR,” he clarified.
(el Amigo/mnm)
