“Flight is an indication of guilt” 

Declared Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, in response to former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s continued refusal to cooperate with a congressional investigation into his alleged involvement with illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

“The law applies to everyone. Roque’s actions are not about standing up for his rights—they are about avoiding accountability. He is not above the law,” stressed Abante.

Roque was cited in contempt and ordered arrested for failing to submit subpoenaed documents crucial to the investigation, including his tax records and Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. 

Instead of complying, Roque has gone into hiding and vowed not to surrender claiming that Congress had overstepped its authority and vowed to challenge his contempt citation in court. 

But Abante dismissed the claims of Roque and pointed out that Congress has the authority to investigate, and his defiance only fuels suspicion that he is trying to conceal evidence that can incriminate him.

“Kasi kung wala namang issues sa documents na pinapasubmit sa kanya, bakit hindi sya mag comply? Kung talagang wala siyang kasalanan, bakit siya nagtatago? Instead of cooperating, he has chosen to evade, delay, and now openly defy the lawful orders of Congress,” said Abante.

In the course of its hearings, the Quad Committee uncovered evidence linking Roque to Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided last June, and where authorities unearthed evidence of illegal activities such as human trafficking, torture, scam farms, prostitution, and pornography.

The Philippine National Police has now joined the manhunt for Roque, who remains at large after an arrest order was served at his Makati office.