Panelo Believes Roque Served as Counsel for POGO Lucky South 99

 

Panelo Advises Roque to Return to Philippines, Dismisses Political Persecution Claim in POGO Hub Case

MANILA, Philippines - Former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo has publicly urged ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to return to the Philippines and face the human trafficking charges filed against him, stemming from his alleged involvement with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub, Lucky South 99, in Porac, Pampanga.

In an interview with One News, Panelo addressed the arrest order issued by a Pampanga court against Roque, expressing his belief that Roque appeared to have acted as a lawyer for the controversial POGO operation. Panelo dismissed Roque's claims of political persecution, asserting that such an argument would be difficult to substantiate given statements Roque made during past congressional hearings.

"It would be hard to prove Roque's claim of political persecution because of the statements he made during the past congressional hearings," Panelo stated, adding that it "appears that Roque really served as counsel for the POGO hub."

Panelo further highlighted what he described as "many contradictions and inconsistencies" in Roque's statements, which he believes led to the complaints against him. He specifically referred to hearings conducted by the House of Representatives Quad Committee, where documents bearing Roque's signature related to Lucky South 99 were discussed. These documents were reportedly obtained following a raid in June 2024, during which over 180 foreign and Filipino workers were rescued from detention within the POGO hub.

On May 16, Regional Trial Court Branch 118 in Angeles City, Pampanga, issued an arrest warrant for Roque, Cassandra Ong, and several others in connection with Lucky South 99's alleged links to human trafficking.

Despite the charges, Roque has maintained that the arrest order is proof of political persecution by the Marcos administration, which he claims is targeting him for his critical stance against the government. Notably, Roque applied for asylum in the Netherlands even before the arrest order was issued.

However, Panelo firmly believes that the most appropriate course of action for Roque is to return to the Philippines and address the legal proceedings. He warned that Roque's continued avoidance of arrest could lead the public to conclude that he is guilty.