Roque to challenge House quad-committee’s contempt order in court | INQToday

Summary

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque plans to file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court, contesting the House of Representatives' contempt order against him. He claims the committee abused its discretion in demanding private documents like tax returns and financial statements. Roque, linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Pampanga, denies any involvement, and the case is ongoing.

Takeaways

• 📜 Harry Roque, a former presidential spokesperson, plans to file a remedy before the Supreme Court regarding the House of Representatives' contempt order against him.
• 🚨 Roque mentioned he will file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in case of arrest by legislative authorities and a petition for certiorari, claiming the committee abused its discretion.
• 🗓 He was cited for contempt again for failing to attend a hearing and submit required documents such as tax returns and financial statements.
• 🏛️ The House of Representatives has been persistently requesting documents from Roque to prove he did not benefit from Philippine offshore gaming operations.
• 📄 Roque filed a motion to quash the subpoena, but it was denied, emphasizing public welfare over personal privacy.
• 🔗 Roque is linked to the raid on a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub, with his signature found on documents at the site.
• 👤 He accompanied Cassandra Leong, a stakeholder of Whirlwind Corporation, to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for a POGO license issue.
• ❌ Roque has repeatedly denied any links with the POGO hub, stating he only provided assistance and does not work for the companies involved.
• 🏢 Authorities are investigating alleged crimes at Lucky South 99, including torture, kidnapping, and abduction, where Roque's involvement is under scrutiny.

Q & A

Who is Harry Roque and what is his recent legal action?

Harry Roque is a former presidential spokesperson who plans to file a remedy before the Supreme Court regarding the House of Representatives' contempt order against him.

What does the term 'remedy' refer to in this context?

In this context, 'remedy' refers to a legal action or petition that Harry Roque intends to file in response to the contempt order issued by the House of Representatives.

What is the specific legal action that Roque mentioned he would take if arrested?

Roque mentioned he would file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus if he is arrested by legislative authorities.

What is a writ of habeas corpus and why would Roque file it?

A writ of habeas corpus is a legal action that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, so that the court can determine the legality of the detention. Roque would file it to challenge his arrest if it occurs.

What is the second petition that Roque claims to file, and why?

The second petition Roque claims to file is a petition for certiorari, as he believes the House committee abused its discretion in requesting private documents.

What is a petition for certiorari and what does it imply in Roque's case?

A petition for certiorari is a legal request made to a higher court to review a lower court's decision. In Roque's case, it implies he seeks to challenge the legality of the House committee's decision to request his private documents.

Why was Harry Roque cited for contempt by the House committee?

Harry Roque was cited for contempt because he failed to attend the hearing and submit the documents required by the panel, such as tax returns and a statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.

What was the motion filed by Roque in response to the House's request for documents?

Roque filed a motion to quash the subpoena issued by the House, which was denied after a representative argued that public welfare takes precedence over personal privacy.

What is the connection between Harry Roque and the Philippine offshore gaming operator hubs?

Harry Roque is being linked to the raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga, after documents with his signature were found there.

What was the nature of Roque's involvement with Whirlwind Corporation and Lucky South 99?

Roque has been accused of having links to the POGO hub operated by Lucky South 99, but he denies any direct involvement, stating he only assisted Whirlwind Corporation, which leased land to Lucky South 99, in settling unpaid taxes for a POGO license.

What are the alleged crimes that authorities are investigating at Lucky South 99?

Authorities are looking into alleged crimes committed at Lucky South 99, including torture, kidnapping, and forceful abduction.