Hunted or Hiding? The Roque Family’s Involvement in the POGO Underworld

By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — September 21, 2024

HARRY Roque’s name once inspired respect in international courts, but today, it raises eyebrows in a scandal linked to illegal gambling. As a former presidential spokesperson and legal expert, his ability to manipulate legal frameworks is unquestionable—but has he crossed the line? By evading congressional hearings and turning to the Supreme Court for protection, Roque’s deep knowledge of the law may soon become his greatest liability. The question isn’t whether he knows the rules—it’s whether he’s willing to break them.

The POGO Connection: Political Ties and Industry Links

Roque’s political trajectory is marked by his close association with former President Rodrigo Duterte, under whose administration the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry thrived. Roque’s alleged links to POGOs—including acting as counsel for Lucky South 99, a POGO operator accused of illegal activities—further complicate his political career. His refusal to comply with the Quad Committee’s orders to submit documents on his financial dealings adds fuel to the fire. As a former public official, Roque is bound by ethical standards, including the obligation to uphold transparency under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019).

The Quad Committee’s investigation points to a sudden surge in the couple’s assets during the Duterte administration, raising questions about the source of these gains. If proven, this unexplained wealth could constitute a violation of the Anti-Graft law and possibly even money laundering under Republic Act 10922 (Anti-Money Laundering Act).

Myla Roque: In the Shadow of the POGO Industry

The allegations against Roque’s wife, Myla Roque, tie her directly to illegal POGO activities. She is accused of being an incorporator of Lucky South 99, a company linked to unlawful offshore gaming operations. The Quad Committee has further implicated her in leasing a property used by Chinese nationals allegedly tied to POGO operations. This paints a picture of her being actively involved in the controversial industry—an industry already under intense scrutiny for its association with criminal activities such as money laundering and human trafficking.

The show-cause order against Myla, and her departure from the country, raise red flags. Under Republic Act 8484 (Anti-Illegal Recruitment Act), her involvement in any illicit activities related to POGOs—if proven—could lead to charges related to the illegal hiring of foreign workers. Similarly, under Philippine corporate laws, her role as an incorporator in a potentially fraudulent entity may expose her to charges of tax evasion, fraud, or violating the Securities Regulation Code.

Roque’s Evasive Maneuvers and the Legal Backlash

Roque’s comparison of the manhunt against him to the search for Osama bin Laden reeks of dramatization but underscores the gravity of the situation. The contempt charge, coupled with an arrest order, signals that Congress is serious about pursuing him. By dodging the hearings and refusing to submit key documents—including his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN)—Roque risks violating not only the rules of Congress but also his duties under Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

His legal strategy seems to hinge on seeking intervention from the Supreme Court, a calculated move to question the arrest order and assert that the Quad Committee is exceeding its jurisdiction. Roque’s deep legal knowledge equips him to challenge the procedural and substantive aspects of the case against him, arguing that his due process rights are being violated. However, his failure to provide a credible defense in the hearings undermines his standing.

The Legal Battles Ahead: Potential Cases Against Roque and His Wife

Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019): Roque’s and Myla’s unexplained wealth and alleged involvement in illegal POGO operations could lead to charges under this law. The sudden increase in their assets during the POGO boom raises suspicions that could be construed as graft.
Anti-Money Laundering Act (RA 10922): The investigation into their financial dealings—particularly the joint bank account with Roque’s aide—points to possible money laundering. POGO operations are often scrutinized for being channels of illegal fund transfers, and any proven involvement would implicate the Roques in a serious financial crime.
Immigration Act (RA 7990): If proven that Roque or his wife facilitated illegal activities involving foreign nationals working for POGOs, they could face immigration-related charges. This includes harboring illegal workers, a criminal offense under Philippine law.
Corporate Violations: Myla’s alleged involvement as an incorporator of Lucky South 99 brings potential violations of corporate governance under the Corporation Code. If fraudulent activities are proven, both Roques could face corporate fraud charges, leading to hefty fines and possible imprisonment.

Defensive Legal Strategies for Roque and His Wife

Challenging Jurisdiction: Roque’s strongest defense could involve questioning the Quad Committee’s jurisdiction, particularly its authority to issue arrest orders and compel the submission of private documents.
Invoking Due Process: Roque may argue that his constitutional rights to due process and privacy have been violated by the arrest order and the demand for his SALN. This is a plausible defense, as previous cases have shown that legislative inquiries must strictly adhere to procedural safeguards.
Questioning the Evidence: Roque could challenge the evidence against him as speculative and insufficient to establish a case. The lack of independent verification of the allegations against Myla Roque might work in their favor, as mere association with a controversial industry does not necessarily amount to culpability.

The Case’s Viability: Assessing the Strength of the Evidence

The strength of the cases against Roque and his wife hinges largely on the evidence presented by the Quad Committee. If the committee can produce compelling documentary evidence—such as financial records, lease agreements, and testimonies—that tie the Roques to illegal POGO operations, the case could be solid. However, without such concrete proof, the allegations may remain speculative. The refusal to attend hearings, while damaging, is not enough on its own to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Recommendations

For the Quad Committee, it is essential to build a strong factual case based on documentary evidence. Merely relying on allegations of association with POGOs will not suffice in court. A thorough investigation into the financial transactions of the Roques, including tracing their assets and bank accounts, should be prioritized.

For Roque and Myla, cooperation with the investigation, while seeking legal remedies, could be a more effective strategy. Evading the hearings only deepens the public’s suspicion and weakens their defense. If there are legitimate reasons for their absence, these should be substantiated with credible medical or legal documents.

The choice for Harry Roque and his wife is clear: conceal the truth and face growing suspicion, or embrace transparency and let the facts speak. In times like these, silence can be more damning than any accusation. It’s time to decide which side of history they wish to stand on.