MANILA — House Quad Committee Lead Co-Chairperson Representative Robert Ace Barbers  challenged former Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to air his sentiments and criticisms before the joint panel investigating the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

Barbers issued the statement after Roque released a video on his social media account criticizing the Quad Comm’s inquiry and orders.

Last week, the Quad Comm cited Roque in contempt over his failure to submit documents, which are subject of a subpoena. He was ordered detained at the premises of the House of Representatives in Quezon City until he submits the documents or until the Quad Comm is dissolved. Law enforcement agencies are “exerting all efforts” to locate Roque and implement the order of the lower chamber, according to the Philippine National Police.

"Nagpa-power tripping na po sila, maski wala silang batas na binubuo, tuloy-tuloy ang paninira nila sa pamilya Duterte, doon sa extrajudicial killings, sa droga at doon sa POGO. Hindi po tama ‘yan," Roque claimed.

“Maraming sinasabi itong si Atty. Harry Roque sa likod ng Quad Comm… Sabihin mo sa harapan namin ‘yan… Magpakalalaki ka! Humarap ka rito sa amin. Hindi ‘yung nakatalikod ka parati sa Quad, doon ka nagsasalita,” Barbers said.

“Itong hinihingi naming dokumento sayo ay may kaugnayan sa iyong alleged involvement sa usapin sa illegal POGO… Saan nanggaling ‘yung pagtaas ng yaman ng Biancham Corporation mula P125,000 noong 2016 na naging P150 million in 2018… ‘Yung Biancham Corporation ay siya ang nagmamay-ari at may kaugnayan dito sa Lucky South 99,” he added.

“Sino may-ari ng bahay kung saan nakita ang Chinese fugitive? Sabi niya PH2. Sino ang may-ari ng PH2? 52% of PH2 is owned by Biancham Corporation. Sino si Biancham? Sino si PH2? It’s the Roque family,” Barbers said further.

The lawmaker believes Roque is still in the country.

“I know that he is still in the country. Kasi ‘yung BID mayroon namang lookout bulletin sa kanya. We would know kung umalis siya... So far wala naman info sa amin,” Barbers said.

“Siya raw ay aakyat sa Korte Suprema at kukwestyunin ang pag-cite in contempt ng Quad Comm. Ako naman kasi, dapat magpahuli muna siya bago siya mag-file ng petition before the Supreme Court. Kasi hindi pa appropriate ngayon para sa kanya to go up to the Supreme Court, kasi wala pa namang justiciable issue,” he added.

Barbers also belied claims that the inquiry appears to be no longer in aid of legislation, and is about going after the Duterte family.

“Huwag niyo na po suportahan kahit sino sa amin sa Quad Comm na myembro sa susunod na eleksyon kung wala kayong makikitang proposed legislation diyan… Marami kaming nakita na pwede natin ipanukalang batas,” he said.

Roque on Monday denied that he is a fugitive, reiterating that there are no cases filed against him.

He also accused lawmakers of power-tripping, and using contempt as a punishment.

The House Quad Comm will resume its hearing on Thursday.

House now considers Harry Roque a 'fugitive' — lawmaker