Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert "Ace" Barbers has denied the claim of Harry Roque's wife Mylah Roque, who called the congressman "an abusive individual" for summoning her to the House quad comm hearing on the illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO).

In a statement posted on social media, Mylah accused Barbers, the House quad comm chairman, of abusing his authority while "maliciously" linking her to Lucky South.

"He abuses his immunity from libel with a claim that I am an incorporator of Lucky South even when there is no single document linking me to it," she claimed.

"I would like to vehemently deny Mrs. Mylah Roque’s claim that I am an abusive individual who abuses my immunity from libel during the Quadcom hearings," Barbers replied Saturday in a press statement.

House quadcom issues show-cause order vs Harry Roque’s wife 

"If she would have the time to watch the Quadcom hearings, from the first to the sixth, our latest, which can be viewed in various social media platforms, she can clearly observe and see that as Quadcom chair, I was the one who acts as the 'rudder' of the team, very calmly leading House leaders and panel members in toning down some unnecessary remarks or comments as the probe goes on."

The House quad comm has cited Roque in contempt for refusing to appear before the panel especially when asked to furnish documentation regarding his "unexplained wealth."

"Your husband Harry’s continued refusal to submit the vital documents he promised to provide the Quadcom only increased the lawmakers’ curiosity on the sudden increase of his wealth, from P125,000 in 2016, to P125 million in 2018," said Barbers.

Roque has gone into hiding. 

His wife was also summoned to appeal before the panel, but she, too, was unable to attend, claiming that she is in Singapore to undergo treatment.

This prompted the panel to issue a show-cause order against Roque's wife.

"If you and Mr. Roque really have nothing to hide, particularly his alleged links to illegal POGO, then you should both attend the Quadcom hearings, be transparent and open all your cards," said Barbers.

Roque's refusal to cooperate with POGO probe adds to suspicion: House leaders 

Mylah also criticized Barbers for allegedly calling Roque's family as "wasak."

Barbers also responded to that claim.

"As to her claim that I declared her family as 'wazak,', I think I would be the last person to say that. Mr. Roque’s close executive assistant, AR dela Serna’s disclosure and admission during the hearings that they are maintaining a 'joint bank account 'worth P3 million could have adversely affected or damaged his reputation," he said.  

"When I was asked for comment by the media covering the Quadcom hearing, on Mr. Roque’s claim that Quadcom is destroying his family, my answer was: Huwag kami ang sisihin nya, tanungin nya ang sarili niya."