Philippine regional court issues arrest warrant against former presidential spokesperson

Harry Roque Jr. continues to protest his innocence.

The Philippines.- A regional trial court in Pampanga has issued arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. and Cassandra Ong. They are accused of alleged links to Lucky South 99, an offshore gaming operation that was raided in Porac.

Angeles RTC presiding judge Rene Reyes said sufficient grounds existed to move forward with charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. Reyes said the offences charged are non-bailable.

A week ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed cases for both qualified and standard human trafficking, alleging that Roque played a role as legal counsel to Whirlwind, the company that leased its property to Lucky South 99, and in the firm’s establishment and operation.

Roque left the Philippines last September after being cited for contempt by the House of Representatives for failing to appear in hearings on offshore gaming operators. He is now seeking asylum in the Netherlands and claims the charges against him are “politically motivated”. He previously said there was no evidence of his involvement in human trafficking and that he broke no laws by accompanying Ong to a meeting with PAGCOR executives.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said: “Harry Roque must be compelled to return to the Philippines. If he doesn’t, not only would he be evading an arrest order from Congress, he would also be defying a lawful order from a court. He’s a lawyer, so he knows that evading the law is wrong.”