Roque shows up at Senate Pogo probe to disclose ‘just the truth’

Atty. Harry Roque, former presidential spokesperson, is the latest addition to the growing list of resource persons invited to the Senate’s probe into the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country. INQUIRER file photo / DEXTER CABALZA

MANILA, Philippines — Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was the latest addition to the growing list of resource persons invited to the Senate’s probe into the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in the country.

Roque personally appeared before the Senate committee on women’s public inquiry on Monday to explain his side of the story.

Before the proceedings, the former Cabinet official told INQUIRER.net in a text message that he plans to reveal “just the truth” surrounding Pogos. Roque did not elaborate further.

Roque’s name was tagged into the Pogo mess after Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief  Alejandro Tengco mentioned his name as an alleged lawyer of offshore gaming operator Lucky South 99.

Roque, however, denied that 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 the holder of a valid license from Pagcor.

For his part, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he’s hoping that Roque would attend the hearing, stressing that anyone accused of anything has a “right to face his accuser and air his side.”

“I believe that these are serious allegations which Sec. Roque should clarify, and I believe that the committee will most likely invite him to get his side on this matter [or] issue,” Escudero said previously.