During the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing on Tuesday, March 4, Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned the whereabouts of former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque, who has been evading authorities for several months. Roque was cited in contempt by the House of Representatives for failing to submit crucial documents related to an investigation into his alleged connections with Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
“Where—for God’s sake—is Harry Roque?” Hontiveros inquired, addressing representatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) present at the hearing. She expressed frustration over Roque’s apparent freedom to post on social media, seemingly mocking the administration and law enforcement while evading arrest on charges of human trafficking.
Hontiveros revealed that information had surfaced indicating Roque traveled to Shanghai, China, and subsequently to Macau, a territory also under China. This aligns with earlier reports suggesting Roque had left the Philippines despite being under investigation. In December 2024, the Department of Justice confirmed that Roque had subscribed to his counter-affidavit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, indicating his presence outside the country.
The BI had previously stated that there were no records of Roque’s recent departures from the Philippines, raising concerns about possible lapses in monitoring and enforcement. In response to these developments, the BI began investigating the possibility of filing charges against Roque for allegedly leaving the country illegally, as his name was on a lookout bulletin.
Roque, however, has denied allegations of escaping or having ties with POGO operators. He asserted that no hold departure order was issued against him and challenged Senator Hontiveros to substantiate her claims outside the Senate, accusing her of engaging in “crass politicking.”
The situation has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of current monitoring systems and the influence of POGO operators in the Philippines. Hontiveros emphasized the need for authorities to identify individuals who may have assisted Roque in evading detection, especially considering that Dubai, one of Roque’s alleged destinations, is known as a POGO hub.
As the investigation continues, the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights aims to uncover the extent of Roque’s involvement with POGOs and address the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending individuals evading legal processes. The case underscores the complexities involved in monitoring high-profile individuals and the potential loopholes that can be exploited to avoid accountability.
The committee’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that individuals, regardless of their status or connections, are held accountable for their actions. The outcome of this investigation may lead to reforms in immigration protocols and inter-agency coordination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the meantime, authorities continue to track Roque’s movements and explore legal avenues to bring him back to the Philippines to face the charges against him. The situation remains a critical test of the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks in addressing issues related to human trafficking and illegal gambling operations.