MANILA — The House quad committee on Friday ordered the arrest of Mylah Roque, wife of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, after she repeatedly failed to attend its hearings.
The couple had been summoned by the panel for its ongoing investigation into illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), which the former Cabinet official is alleged to have connections with.
Mrs. Roque was requested to clarify her involvement in signing a lease agreement with Chinese nationals linked to a POGO complex in Bamban, Tarlac.
“We have given Ms. Roque due process regarding her presence in the hearing.
I move to cite Mrs. Roque in contempt,” said House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson and ABANG LINGKOD party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion.
Previously, Mr. Roque argued that the business records, tax returns, and other documents requested were irrelevant to the investigation into his alleged business ties with POGOs.
He described the House inquiry as “a political inquisition against the Duterte family and me as their vocal ally.”
The former human rights lawyer stated that he would not appear before the QuadCom until the issues he raised were addressed by the Supreme Court.
“I reiterate: What crime did I commit? File the appropriate charges in the proper court of law.
I will face the complaints in court. It’s just sad that many people are getting caught in this,” Roque said.
“How is my private life related to the POGO issue? The QuadCom hearing is not only violating my right to privacy, but it’s also damaging my family,” he added.