Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was cited for contempt on Thursday. He was ordered to be detained for 24 hours after allegedly providing false information to the quad committee of the House of Representatives. The matter arose during an inquiry regarding his absence from a hearing held in Pampanga the previous week.
The contempt citation occurred towards the end of a lengthy nearly nine-hour session of the committee. Lawmakers questioned Roque about his reasons for missing the initial hearing. According to the committee, Roque’s explanations did not align with the information they had.
Roque’s situation drew attention as he faced a brief but intense examination. He maintained that he had legitimate reasons for not attending the hearing, but committee members remained unconvinced. Tensions escalated during the questioning as lawmakers expressed frustration over his absence and the perceived attempt to provide misleading information.
The quad committee is tasked with looking into various issues, and Roque’s testimony was considered vital for their investigations. His failure to appear was seen as a significant setback for the committee’s work. Roque’s detention reflects the seriousness of the situation and the committee’s commitment to upholding the integrity of their proceedings.
Roque has served in multiple capacities within the government, including as a spokesperson for former President Rodrigo Duterte. His connections and experience in the political landscape have established him as a notable figure in national discourse. The current situation raises questions about accountability among public officials.
The decision to detain Roque for contempt highlights the House committee’s authority to enforce attendance and truthfulness among witnesses. This incident may set a precedent for future inquiries involving other high-profile personalities and their obligations to testify.