– 4 hours ago
Former presidential spokesman and lawyer Harry Roque is the latest in the list of informants invited into the Senate investigation into the proliferation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country. INQUIRER file photo/Dexter Cabarza
MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque is the latest to join the list of informants called into the Senate investigation into the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the country.
Roque appeared in person before the Senate Committee on Women’s Public Inquiry on Monday to explain her position.
Before the hearing began, the former Cabinet official told INQUIRER.net in a text message that he intended to reveal “only the truth” about Pogos. Roque did not elaborate further.
Roque’s name was drawn into the POGO controversy after Alejandro Tengco, chief executive of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCO), named him as an alleged lawyer for offshore gambling operator Lucky South 99.
However, Roque denied being Lucky South 99’s lawyer and clarified that his client was Whirlwind Corporation, a service provider to Lucky South 99, which held a valid license from Pagcor at the time.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he wanted Roque to attend the hearing, stressing that anyone accused of any crime has the “right to face their accusers and present their side of the story.”
“I believe these are serious allegations that Secretary Roque should clarify and I think the committee will probably ask him to state his position on the matter,” Escudero had previously said.
