Senators threatened Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque with a contempt citation following ‘disrespectful’ actions during a senate committee hearing looking into the illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country on Monday.
Committee chair Senator Risa Hontiveros and Roque exchanged heated words following the inquiry thrown regarding the ex-spox’s ties with the raided POGO Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
Sen. Hontiveros asked if Roque maintains his statement denying that he served as a legal counsel for Lucky South 99.
“I confirm that 100 percent," Roque said in the committee hearing.
Roque then continued to explain his side and eventually questioning the legalities of the raid conducted by the authorities.
Not entertaining the request of Roque to further elaborate his sentiments, Sen. Hontiveros insisted that he should stick to the topic at hand.
"Please make your answer to this short because it was just actually a yes or no question," Hontiveros said.
Roque then appealed to the committee to be 'fair' for he belives that Hontiveros had been insinuating that he is a lawyer for Lucky South 99.
"The chair has not been insinuating anything. The chair and the members of the committee have been asking questions based on the sworn testimonies of PAGCOR Chair Tengco, Atty. Fernandez of PAGCOR, and other resource persons,” Hontiveros firmly said.
"I have never acted as legal counsel for Lucky South 99 or for any other POGO," Roque then answered.
Sen. Hontiveros proceeded to cut Roque with his lengthy explanation for he was not sticking to the topic again.
"I am a resource person invited. I was asked to answer," Roque said after being cut off.
"Hindi ko po maintindihan kapag gusto n’yo akong tumigil, papatigil n’yo ako ‘pag nageexplain. I though we were engaged in the search of truth," he added.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian couldn't help but interject in the exchange of words and reminded Roque to be respectful of the chairperson. Roque then said that he was respectful of Sen. Hontiveros.
"Paanong respectful nagsasalita siya sinasabayan mo siya?” Gatchalian said.
"One more I will cite you in contempt and if you disrespect the chairperson we’ll be compelled to cite you in contempt," he added.
Roque apologized to Gatchalian and Hontiveros after finishing his statement.
