The wife of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Mylah Roque, has reportedly left the country, according to House quad-committee co-chair, Representative Dan Fernandez. This development follows an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal activities involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), during which Mylah Roque was repeatedly summoned to appear but failed to do so.
On Friday, the House Quad Committee issued an arrest order against Mrs. Roque, citing her in contempt after she ignored multiple invitations to attend the hearings. Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod party list initially moved to cite her in contempt, stressing that due process had been followed.
“Since we have given Ms. Roque the due process with regards to this, supposedly her presence in the hearing, I move to cite in contempt Ms. Roque,” said Paduano during the committee session.
Surigao del Norte Representative Ace Barbers, who leads the Quad Committee, confirmed that Mylah Roque had missed three consecutive hearings without providing a valid explanation. This prompted the committee to escalate the matter, leading to the issuance of the arrest order.
Antipolo Representative Romeo Acop also expressed support for the contempt citation and arrest order, pointing out that the panel had no other choice given her consistent refusal to cooperate with the investigation. “May I respectfully move that because Madam Mylah Roque has been cited in contempt by this committee, may I move that we also move to issue an arrest order,” he said during the session.
As of now, Mylah Roque’s exact whereabouts remain unclear, but Fernandez confirmed that authorities have obtained information that she has left the Philippines. The House committee continues its investigation into the alleged involvement of several individuals in illegal POGO operations, and Mrs. Roque’s failure to appear has raised concerns about potential obstruction of justice.
The arrest order is expected to remain in effect as the committee seeks to gather more details about her departure from the country and her role in the ongoing investigation.