Roque cited for contempt, ordered detained

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's recent tirades against the House of Representatives quad committee will not be taken lightly, according to Rep. Ace Barbers.

Roque cited contempt and was ordered detained by the panel for failing to comply with a subpoena, which included submitting financial documents and medical certificates.

Barbers criticized Roque on Friday for reneging on his promise to submit the requested documents and instead taking to social media to voice his frustrations.

The quad committee is investigating issues related to Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) and considers Roque's testimony crucial due to circumstantial evidence linking him to illegal Pogo activities.

Roque was cited in contempt for a second time on Aug. 22 for non-compliance with the promise to submit documents, including copies of his Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) and other financial records.

Barbers urged Roque to attend Quadcom hearings to justify his refusal to submit the requested documents and noted that a joint bank account between Roque and his aide was admitted before the panel.

Quadcom continues to investigate the sudden increase in Roque's assets from PHP125,000 before 2016 to PHP125 million in 2018, suggesting potential ties to POGO operations.