In the July 29 Senate Hearing, Harry Roque Will Reveal the Identities of POGO Protectors
HARRY ROQUE – The former presidential spokesperson announced that he will reveal the identities of individuals protecting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) during a Senate hearing scheduled for July 29. Speaking at an event with Filipino supporters of the Duterte family in Woodside, Queens, Roque indicated he plans to disclose critical information about POGO’s protectors at the Senate hall.
Roque, who is currently in the United States for events organized by Hakbang ng Maisug in various cities, emphasized the need for transparency regarding who really controls POGO operations in the Philippines. He expressed a willingness to testify even without an invitation and mentioned that he anticipated accusations of facilitating illegal POGO activities, which did not materialize.
During a Senate investigation on July 10, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco claimed Roque assisted a raided POGO company, Lucky South 99, in reapplying for a license. Tengco clarified that Roque did not pressure PAGCOR to issue the license, although he was listed as heading the company’s legal department. Roque denied acting as the firm’s legal counsel.
Roque also acknowledged meeting suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo at former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez’s in-law’s home and participating in a rally with her in Bulacan. Guo, whose citizenship is under scrutiny, is linked to an illegal POGO hub that was raided in Bamban.
According to GMA News, Roque is scheduled to testify before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. Additionally, the House Joint Committee on Public Order and Safety and Games and Amusement plans to question him about alleged connections to POGO operations.
He criticized the ongoing investigation, arguing it should end since President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared POGO illegal in his recent State of the Nation Address. Roque asserted that his criticisms of the Marcos administration are in defense of Filipino rights and reiterated that he was never a lawyer for Lucky South Star 99, where his former staff’s belongings were seized during a raid.
Related Post: Harry Roque to Be Invited to POGO Probe by Congress