NAKU! MALAPIT NANG MA CORNER SI ATTY. HARRY ROQUE!

Summary

The Philippine House of Representatives' Quad Committee conducts a public hearing in Pampanga, investigating the connection between illegal drug trade and POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators). The inquiry involves former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, accused of involvement in human trafficking related to Lucky South 99. Evidence of kidnapping victims and torture devices were found during a raid, with cases filed against the perpetrators. The hearing also addresses the broader issue of foreign influence and corruption within the government and society.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Philippine House of Representatives conducted a public hearing in Bacolor, Pampanga, involving multiple committees focusing on issues related to dangerous drugs, public order, and safety, as well as human rights and public accounts.
• 📜 The hearing specifically addressed the alleged involvement of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in illegal activities related to the operation known as Lucky South 99, which is suspected of qualified trafficking in persons.
• 🔍 The investigation is claimed to be evidence-driven and not politically motivated, with the PAO spokesperson, Winston Casio, emphasizing that the charges are based on specific actions linking Roque to the company's illegal activities.
• 📊 The hearing revealed that a criminal network is suspected of operating within the country, using drug money to corrupt government officials and acquire properties for illicit businesses such as POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations).
• 👥 Four Chinese nationals were rescued during a raid on Lucky South 99, with two of them becoming complainants in a labor trafficking case filed against the operation.
• 🔧 During the raid, authorities found and inventoried a significant number of digital devices, torture devices, and other paraphernalia indicative of illegal activities.
• 👮‍♂️ No arrests were made during the service of the search warrant, but subsequent immigration inquests identified individuals who may be charged in relation to the trafficking case.
• 📋 The resource speaker clarified that the charges against Roque are not for his role as a lawyer but for his alleged direct involvement in the company's illegal activities.
• 🗣️ The hearing also touched on the broader issue of foreign influence and control over local corporations and government officials, with allegations of bribery and the infiltration of different parts of the government.
• 🌍 The opening statement by a committee member suggested a connection between the activities of the previous administration and the current issues of foreign occupation and corruption within the country.
• 🚨 The direction of the investigation by Attorney Harry Roque was criticized, with allegations of overreaching and potential bias, as the focus shifts to the impact on the victims and the pursuit of justice.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Quad committee hearing in Pampanga?

The Quad committee hearing in Pampanga is for a joint inquiry into the connection between illegal drug trade and certain individuals, including those linked to POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators).

What is the role of Attorney Harry Roque in the investigation?

Attorney Harry Roque is being investigated for his alleged involvement in qualified trafficking related to Lucky South 99 operations, and there are claims that he is being targeted due to his political affiliations.

What is the allegation against Lucky South 99?

Lucky South 99 is alleged to be involved in qualified trafficking in persons, with evidence suggesting illegal activities such as kidnapping and torture.

What evidence was found during the raid of Lucky South 99?

During the raid, authorities rescued four kidnapped Chinese nationals, inventoried numerous digital devices, and found torture devices like electric tasers and baseball bats.

What is the connection between the investigation and the Philippine government?

The investigation is looking into the possibility of foreign influence and corruption within the government, including the bribery of officials and the acquisition of properties for illegal activities.

Who are the individuals that have been charged in relation to the Lucky South 99 case?

Two Chinese nationals have been charged with violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law, specifically for qualified trafficking in persons.

What is the significance of the show cause order issued by the committee?

The show cause order is issued to individuals who are suspected of being involved in the illegal activities. If they fail to appear or justify their actions, they may be arrested or added to a wanted list.

What is the role of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission in this matter?

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission is involved in the investigation and is responsible for pursuing cases based on the evidence gathered against individuals like Harry Roque.

How does the investigation relate to national security concerns?

The investigation is tied to concerns about foreign influence and occupation of Philippine land, with evidence suggesting that foreign entities are using various means to infiltrate and control different aspects of society.

What is the current status of the case against Harry Roque?

The case against Harry Roque is ongoing, with the PAOOC spokesperson stating that they have sufficient evidence to file charges against him for his alleged involvement in illegal activities.