House Issues Show Cause Orders Against Former Presidential Aide and Others in POGO Investigation

BACOLOR, PAMPANGA — The Philippine House of Representatives has issued show cause orders to several individuals, including a former aide to ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO), drug trafficking, and human rights violations under the previous administration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Public Accounts, Human Rights, and Public Order and Safety, Alberto Rodulfo Dela Serna, Roque’s executive assistant, and several other key figures failed to appear at a hearing in Bacolor, Pampanga. The panel, chaired by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, expressed concerns over their absence and mandated the issuance of show cause orders to compel their attendance and cooperation.

The investigation has drawn scrutiny towards Dela Serna, particularly after his connection to Roque was highlighted following a raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission at the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac town. Documents found during the raid included Dela Serna’s appointment papers dated October 5, 2021, and an affidavit from Roque covering financial responsibilities for Dela Serna’s trips to Poland, Ukraine, and Italy in October 2023.

Other individuals summoned to explain their non-attendance include Acting Mayor Eraño Timbang of Bamban, Tarlac, and officials from Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc., along with executives from several corporations linked to the POGO operations. The panel aims to uncover whether POGOs have been a channel for illicit activities, potentially shielded by police and government officials.

An official from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Fr. Jerome Secillano, voiced support for the investigation, urging lawmakers to intensify their efforts to prosecute those involved in these exploitative activities against the nation and its people. Secillano also reiterated the goal of ending illegal POGO operations in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives.