In a shocking revelation, former presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque has been identified as the “legal head” of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pampanga, which authorities raided twice last month for alleged human trafficking, torture, and scams. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) made this announcement on Wednesday, shedding light on the intricate web of corruption and criminal activities surrounding POGOs in the Philippines.
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PAGCOR chief Alejandro Tengco revealed that the former spokesperson, Harry Roque, appeared before his office in July 2023 to provide legal support to Cassandra Lee Ong, the authorized representative of Lucky South 99. This sprawling POGO compound in Porac, Pampanga, has been under intense scrutiny for its alleged involvement in human trafficking and various scams. The compound’s activities have raised serious concerns about the integrity and legality of its operations.
The Request for Financial Assistance
During the meeting, Ong sought PAGCOR’s assistance to address the financial issues of Lucky South 99. She requested that the unpaid taxes, amounting to no less than $500,000, be allowed to be paid in installments. According to Tengco, Ong claimed that she had been deceived by Dennis Cunanan, who allegedly collected six months’ worth of tax payments on her behalf but failed to remit them to PAGCOR. Cunanan also purportedly charged additional fees, compounding the financial woes of Lucky South 99.
Tengco’s disclosure included an organizational chart from Lucky South 99’s original license application, which designated the former spokesperson Harry Roque as the “legal head.” This revelation came on the heels of Tengco’s earlier promise to name the former Cabinet official who facilitated the issuance of licenses to illegal POGO hubs during the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. The involvement of a high-profile figure in such a controversial operation has added a new dimension to the ongoing investigations.
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The Nature of the Meetings
Tengco described his interactions with the former spokesperson as cordial and non-coercive. “He wasn’t demanding. He was just asking,” Tengco stated, emphasizing that the former spokesperson’s role seemed to be more about facilitating and accompanying his client rather than exerting pressure. Despite multiple follow-ups on the status of Lucky South 99’s reapplication for a license, the application was eventually rejected due to several missing documents and an attempt to significantly expand the compound’s area.
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Senate Inquiries on Harry Roque
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate women and gender equality committee, announced plans to invite the former spokesperson and former PAGCOR chief Andrea Domingo to the panel’s next hearing. A letter dated 2021, bearing the name of the former spokesperson and the letterhead of the Office of the President, was recovered during the raid of Lucky South 99. Although the former spokesperson denied any connection to the document, which the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) stated was not suspicious or criminal in nature, his involvement has raised significant questions.
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The revelations about the former spokesperson’s involvement in Lucky South 99 highlight the pervasive influence and lobbying power of POGOs in the Philippines. These operations have been linked to various criminal activities, including human trafficking, financial scams, and now, allegations of high-level complicity. The case underscores the urgent need for stringent regulatory oversight and transparency in the gaming industry to prevent such abuses and ensure accountability.
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As investigations continue, the scandal surrounding the former presidential spokesperson and Lucky South 99 serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often murky world of POGO operations in the Philippines. The involvement of high-profile individuals in facilitating these controversial activities calls for a thorough examination and robust measures to address the systemic issues that enable such practices. The public and regulatory bodies must remain vigilant to ensure that justice is served and that the integrity of the gaming industry is upheld.
