ROQUE DARED TO COME HOME
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns over former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s recent departure from the Philippines, suggesting that his actions may constitute a violation of the law.
She pointed out that Roque himself described his prolonged absence as a “flight from a congressional contempt,” which she argued is “a clear admission of his liability for the crime of disobedience to summons by Congress under Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code.”
Hontiveros also questioned the manner in which Roque left the country, noting that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is currently investigating whether he used illegal means to travel abroad. “It is extremely ironic that Roque is talking about his right to travel, when the Bureau of Immigration has declared that it is studying the filing of cases against him for leaving the country via illegal means,” she said.
The BI has reportedly stated that Roque’s last recorded travel was in July 2024, when he returned from Los Angeles. However, there are no official records of his recent departure. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reportedly said that Roque may have used falsified immigration clearances or received assistance from unscrupulous individuals to exit the country.
Hontiveros also linked Roque’s actions to the qualified human trafficking complaint he is facing due to his alleged involvement with Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) complex in Porac, Pampanga. Authorities have reportedly identified the complex as a hub for criminal activities.
“That is on top of the qualified human trafficking complaint he is already facing in connection to his ties to the massive, crime-ridden POGO complex in Porac, Pampanga,” she said.
Roque, in response, has reportedly denied wrongdoing, asserting that he has the right to travel and is not under any legal restrictions.
Meanwhile, the BI is reportedly considering additional charges against him for his alleged illegal departure, including possible falsification of public documents.
