The House of Representatives inquiry on the former administration’s war against illegal drugs and the crimes related to POGOs is a way for Congress to pulverize former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte, and their allies, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview for Balansyado, the attorney claimed that Congress had no intention of passing new laws concerning their investigation on the matter.
“Malinaw na itong investigation na ginagawa nila ay para pulbusin ang dating President Duterte, (VP) Inday Sara Duterte, at ang kanilang alyado—isa na ako doon,” Roque claimed.
“Malinaw ‘yan dahil wala na silang batas na nais buuin, ang gusto lang nila, patunayan na diumano, gumawa kami ng mga iba’t ibang krimen. Kung ‘yan ang pakay nila, ‘yan ay trabaho ng piskalya at ng hukuman,” he added.
Roque claimed that he was not supposed to be included in the list of people who were charged with qualified human trafficking in the raid at Porac, Pampanga earlier this year. However, due to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) lawyer’s supplemental affidavit, he got involved. That was the reason why he filed a counter affidavit overseas.
Having served as a private prosecutor for 30 years, Roque expressed that he is at ease knowing that the court will not find any fiscal evidence against him. If Congress disagrees, he said that he will continue to fight for his rights; adding that he believes in the majesty and rule of law.
On the VP’s Impeachment Complaint
Adding to his statement, Roque expressed his dismay at how events unfolded with the VP’s investigation and impeachment complaint.
“Unang-una tumaas ang balahibo ko, napakasama naman ng pagkakasulat ng complaint na ‘yon,” he expressed.
As a lawyer, Roque stressed that Duterte acting like a “spoiled brat” is not a valid ground to file for her impeachment; adding that it only applies to officials who have committed a grave offense. Roque also mentioned that he sees no valid reason to file the case against the VP.
“Wala akong nakitang malalang dahilan doon sa grounds na sinabi ng complainants, lalong-lalo na ngayon na naglabas na ng report ang COA na nagsasabi na ang kanilang report sa paggastos ng pera ng OVP ay mayroong unqualified opinion,” he said.
He explained that COA found no anomalies with the spending of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) confidential funds from 2022 to 2023.
With that, Roque encouraged Duterte to keep fighting and not be afraid.
“Laban lang VP, dahil kapag malinis ang konsensiya walang dapat ikatakot,” He ended.
