By Jose Cielito Reganit | Philippine News Agency
The House of Representatives Quad-Committee (Quad-Comm) on Wednesday called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to surrender to the panel after the Supreme Court (SC) voided his only legal recourse against the committee’s detention order.
Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers made the call following the SC decision on Roque’s petition for a writ of amparo, a protective writ he applied for to escape congressional detention as the Quad-Comm investigates his involvement in the illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The SC decision, handed down on Oct. 1, clarified that the writ of amparo is intended for cases of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances, situations that do not apply in Roque’s case.
“Sumuko ka na, Attorney Roque,” Fernandez said, noting that the former presidential mouthpiece’s attempts to evade justice and avoid accountability through legal maneuvers have become futile.
He also pointed out that Roque’s rights have not been violated as the Supreme Court confirmed.
“Hindi na ito ang panahon para magpalusot. Attorney Roque should face the music and answer the allegations in the proper forum. Ang batas ang dapat manaig. Hindi dapat itago ni Roque ang kaniyang sarili sa likod ng mga technicalities o mga writ na wala namang basehan,” he said.
In light of Roque’s repeated attempts to deflect accountability, Fernandez emphasized the need for individuals in positions of power or influence to set a good example.
“Nakakabahala na sa halip na mag-cooperate, ang ginagawa ng iba ay palaging tinatakbuhan ang kanilang mga pananagutan. The wheels of justice are turning, and no amount of legal gymnastics will protect those complicit in these crimes,” he said.
Barbers, the overall chair of the Quad-Comm, urged Roque to heed the rule of law and cooperate with the ongoing investigation, which has uncovered alarming connections between POGOs and other illicit activities, including illegal drug syndicates and extrajudicial killings.
“The Quad-Committee is uncovering layers of criminal activities tied to POGOs, and we need full transparency from everyone involved,” said Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
“Kung walang itinatago si Attorney Roque, bakit siya nagtatago? The public deserves to know the truth,” he added.
The solon urged Roque to “welcome the opportunity to clear his name” legally rather than resort to actions that sow confusion among the public, noting: “Trying to escape through technicalities only raises more suspicions.”
“This investigation is not just about POGOs. It is about dismantling a complex web of criminality that threatens our society,” he said.