The House Quad Committee has called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to surrender after the Supreme Court (SC) nullified his appeal regarding a detention order issued by the committee.
Representatives Dan Fernandez of Sta. Rosa City and Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte made the appeal following the SC’s dismissal of Roque’s request.
Roque is currently a person of interest in the illegal operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
Roque filed a petition for a writ of amparo, a legal protection aimed at preventing his detention while the Quad Committee investigates his alleged involvement in illegal POGO activities.
Fernandez stated that this is not the time for evasion, emphasizing that Roque must confront and address the allegations against him.
Barbers urged Roque to adhere to the rule of law and cooperate with the ongoing investigation, which has uncovered troubling connections between POGOs and other illicit activities, including drug syndicates and extrajudicial killings.
The SC’s decision, issued on October 1, clarified that the writ of amparo is applicable only in cases of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances, situations that do not pertain to Roque’s case.
Barbers encouraged Roque to respect the legal process.