House issues show cause orders to individuals who skipped POGO probe

The House committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Accounts, Human Rights, and Public Order and Safety have issued show cause orders to individuals, including Alberto Rodulfo Dela Serna, who failed to appear at a joint hearing investigating illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Dela Serna, identified as former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's executive assistant and a former male pageant contestant, was among those summoned.

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was also absent, and the quad-committee is verifying his claim of a court appearance.

The show cause order was approved by Panel chair Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers upon the motion of Public Accounts chair Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano.

Dela Serna's appointment papers as Roque's Executive Assistant III and an affidavit of support from Roque for Dela Serna's trip were recovered at a POGO compound in Porac, Pampanga.