Roque: Pagcor chief did not say I lobbied for illegal Pogo firms

Presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque. YANCY LIM / PRESIDENTIAL FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Alejandro Tengco did not say former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque lobbied for Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided due to alleged links to criminal activities.

In a letter to INQUIRER.net, Roque said it was falsely reported that Tengco alleged that he lobbied for illegal Pogo operations.

“This is a complete fabrication and a serious misrepresentation of the facts. During Chairman Tengco’s testimony, no such statement was made. On the contrary, he confirmed that my interaction with Pagcor was solely to schedule a payment for Lucky South 99, which held a valid license from Pagcor at that time,” Roque’s letter reads.

During the Senate panel on women’s hearing on Wednesday, Tengco confirmed that Roque reached out to his office, asking if an appointment may be made.

According to Tengco, Roque was with Cassandra Lee Ong of Lucky South 99, adding that they were seeking to settle the license and unpaid arrears of the Pogo firm.

Tengco said Roque “did not pressure” Pagcor to grant a license to Lucky South 99. He said Roque only asked Pagcor to help Ong and “did not follow up.”

Roque, in a statement issued Wednesday, denied he was a lawyer of Lucky South 99, clarifying that his client was Whirlwind Corporation, a service provider to Lucky South 99, which was then a holder of a valid license from Pagcor.

READ: Roque must attend Pogo hearing, take opportunity to air side – Escudero