Roque denies ties to illegal POGO before Senate panel

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque appeared before the Senate Committee on Women on Monday to deny his ties to Lucky South 99, a POGO in Porac, Pampanga raided for alleged illegal activities.

During the hearing, Roque was invited after Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chairman Alejandro Tengco alleged that he assisted Lucky South 99 with their license reapplication and settling arrears, despite initially sending a letter stating he could not attend due to a scheduled court hearing.

Roque denied being a legal counsel for any illegal POGOs or specifically for Lucky South 99, but Pagcor chairman Tengco insisted otherwise.

Pagcor previously identified Roque as 'legal officer' of Lucky South 99, and Roque claimed his name was included in the document without his consent.

During the hearing, Roque raised his voice at times, prompting Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian to warn him that he could be cited in contempt if he disrespected the chairperson again, leading to arrest and detention at the Senate.

Roque also clarified that he does not own a house in Tuba, Benguet where authorities found a female Chinese and male Cambodian during a recent operation; according to Bureau of Immigration, the man was arrested for being undocumented while the woman is under investigation.