Former Palace spokesperson Harry Roque faced accusations of disrespecting Senator Risa Hontiveros during a Senate hearing on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO).
Roque was present to deny any involvement with Lucky South 99, a POGO in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided for alleged illegal activities. However, Hontiveros and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Center Corporation (PAGCOR) presented a document naming Roque as the POGO’s legal officer.
Roque disputed the document’s validity and lectured senators on evidence presentation prompting Hontiveros to remind him that he wasn’t the one in charge of setting the rules. When Roque tried to interrupt Hontiveros, she firmly told him to wait for his turn.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian intervened, warning Roque to show respect for the chair or face contempt charges. After initially denying any disrespect, Roque apologized when Gatchalian threatened to cite him for contempt again.
Roque also clarified that he didn’t own the house in Tuba, Benguet, where authorities found an undocumented Cambodian man and a Chinese woman suspected of harboring an illegal alien. He stated that the house was owned by a corporation he has an interest in but doesn’t possess.
Hontiveros revealed that their informants believe the Cambodian man is a high-level Interpol fugitive who has defrauded thousands of people.
Photo Courtesy: SENATE PH