Hontiveros Reveals Identity of Chinese Arrested at Harry Roque’s Residence
RISA HONTIVEROS – The senator revealed the identity of the Chinese national who was arrested at a property allegedly linked to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Sun Liming, a Chinese fugitive with an Interpol Red Notice, was arrested at a property allegedly connected to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Hontiveros highlighted that Liming, an IT manager for Lucky South 99, a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) firm, was involved in operations that Roque was known to have assisted with regarding PAGCOR debts.
Hontiveros expressed concern over the connection between Liming and Roque, noting that it was unusual for a high-profile fugitive to be found at a property associated with Roque. She emphasized the need for the Senate to ensure that the POGO industry does not resurface in the Philippines, given its ties to foreign criminals and illegal activities.
During a recent Senate hearing, Roque admitted to being an incorporator of the company owning the Tuba, Benguet property where Liming and other foreigners were arrested. Roque claimed that his involvement was limited to representing a client, Whirlwind Corporation, which leased the property to Lucky South 99. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with authorities to resolve the matter and apologized to Chinese authorities for the oversight.
Roque criticized Hontiveros for politicizing the issue, arguing that investigations into illegal POGOs should be left to law enforcement. He denied any wrongdoing and rejected insinuations that he was involved in illegal activities, attributing the issue to other individuals rather than associates of the Duterte family.
In response, Senator Hontiveros reiterated her concerns about the POGO industry and the need for legislative measures to prevent its return, stressing that the situation underscores the broader problem of foreign criminals in the country linked to illegal gambling operations.