Sean Emmanuel Florendo 


Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson who has links in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators’ (POGO) activities, has been cited in contempt by the House of Representatives for ‘lying’ to them about his excuse for skipping his trial. 

Photo Courtesy of Rappler.

Roque faces detainment within the House’s premises for 24 hours to serve as his punishment. 

He stated in a letter he submitted to Chairman Robert Ace Barbers that he had a hearing to attend on the Regional Trial Court of Manila on August 16, when asked about the reasons why he cannot attend. 

“Atty. Harry Roque sent a letter dated Aug. 13, 2024 addressed to the honorable chairman Robert Ace Barbers…informing Chair Barbers that he will not be able to participate to the said meeting due to a conflict with a previously scheduled court hearing before the Regional Trial Court on 16 August 2024 — the same date of our quad-committee hearing,” said Kabayan Representative Ron Salo.

Documents obtained by Rep. Salo, who also raised the motion, stated that Roque had no scheduled hearing on August 16, the date of the inquiry.

“Mr. Chair, we are also in receipt here of a copy of a certification stating that Atty. Harry Roque has no hearing on August 16, and did not appear in the Court of Manila,” Salo said.  

“Mr. Chair, I hate to say it but clearly Atty. Harry Roque, our former secretary and my former law professor lied to this committee, and that amounts to disrespect to the members of the committee, which is contemptable,” he added.

A party will be placed under contempt of court if he has violated and undermined their authority, and this will have serious implications that may damage the integrity of their case.

Harry Roque has been investigated after confirmed links to POGO operations, such as Chinese workers arrested in a house allegedly owned by him, and statements made by key officials such as the PAGCOR Chief Alejandro Tengco stating that he helped POGOs in their operations.