Atty. Harry Roque at the Department of Justice in Manila on September 7, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Former Palace spokesman Harry Roque backed out and then showed up Monday in the Senate committee investigation on alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) linked to various crimes in the country. 

Sen. Risa Hontiveros earlier said Roque sent his "letter of regrets" to the Senate panel, saying he has a previously scheduled court hearing before the Regional Trial Court of Manila.

"Una nang nagkumpirma [si Atty. Roque] sa committee secretary at nagsabing hahabol siya pagkataps ng kanyang hearing... Pero pagkatapos non nakatanggap kami ng letter of regret dahil may hearing siya," Hontiveros said.

Minutes later, Roque personally appeared at the Upper Chamber hearing.

• Pagcor rebuts Roque's 'Whirlwind' story, says meeting solely about Lucky South 99

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), citing documents, previously identified Roque as "legal officer" of Lucky South 99, a formerly-registered POGO raided in Porac, Pampanga last month over allegations of illegal activities.

The Senate panel summoned Roque after Pagcor's revelation.

• Senate panel to summon Harry Roque over alleged links to Porac POGO

Roque said he never served as legal counsel of the illegal POGO and claimed his name was included in the document without his consent.

Aside from the Senate, the House has also invited Roque in its own investigation into illegal POGOs.

During his third State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced that he was banning POGOs and ordered them to pullout by end of the year.

• Marcos: 'Effective today, all POGOs are banned'

RELATED VIDEO