Roque cited in contempt over POGO probe docs

Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was cited in contempt by the House Quad Committee for failing to submit subpoenaed documents related to an investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

He faces detention at the House of Representatives in Quezon City until he complies with the order.

The committee rejected Roque's claim that the documents were irrelevant to the POGO probe, and the second contempt stemmed from his continued noncompliance with the lower chamber's subpoena.

The subpoena ordered Roque to submit his Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth from 2016-2022, his and his wife Maila's income tax returns from 2014-2022, and their respective medical certificates.

The panel also ordered Roque to submit documents related to his late aunt's estate and a property in Parañaque City his family sold.

Roque had announced he would challenge the contempt order in the Supreme Court, citing grave abuse of discretion.

On Friday, the House of Representatives served an arrest order to Roque at his law firm's office, but authorities were unable to locate him.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco stated that law enforcement agencies were informed to look for him and serve the arrest order.