Hontiveros to Roque: “If it just for travel, why not come home?”

Senator Risa Hontiveros confronted former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque over his recent claim that the Senate investigation into his alleged involvement in a human trafficking case was simply an attempt to boost her popularity ahead of the May midterm elections.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hontiveros, whose senatorial term runs until 2028, raised concerns over Roque’s “extended disappearance,” suggesting that it could be an attempt to avoid facing charges in the Philippines, particularly for human trafficking.

“In his own words, he explains his extended disappearance as a ‘flight from a congressional contempt.’ That is a clear admission of his liability for the crime of disobedience to a summons of Congress under Article 150 of the Revised Penal Code,” the senator said.

Hontiveros also pointed out the irony of Roque discussing his right to travel when the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is investigating the legality of his departure from the country.

Roque reportedly left the Philippines last year at the height of a congressional probe into his alleged ties to a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

He is facing an outstanding contempt order from the House of Representatives after repeatedly failing to attend its mega committee hearings.

Hontiveros reminded the public of the BI’s initial findings that suggested Roque may have used falsified immigration documents or may have been assisted by individuals engaged in illegal immigration activities to leave the country.

“This is on top of the qualified human trafficking complaint he is already facing due to his alleged ties to the crime-ridden POGO complex in Pampanga,” she said.

“If it was really just for travel, why was your departure from the country illegal — and why don’t you want to come back, Harry Roque?” Hontiveros asked.

In response to Hontiveros, Roque took to social media to criticize the senator.

“To prevent her name from being overshadowed by the noise of the elections, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for a hearing where my name was mentioned,” he wrote in a statement on Tuesday night.

“For the record, there is no warrant of arrest issued against me. Flight from a congressional contempt cannot be evidence of anything. As DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, I am being pursued not as a criminal or fugitive, but as a resource person,” Roque said.

He emphasized his right to travel, saying, “I have no hold departure order, and I have a right to travel. Is this hard to understand, Senator Risa?” He accused Hontiveros of spreading “fake news.”

During the Senate hearing conducted by Hontiveros, BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said that Roque and his wife, Mylah, were last known to have traveled to Dubai in December.

However, the BI has been unable to track their whereabouts since then. Manahan said Roque was denied entry to the United States and had reportedly been spotted in Japan and Macau.