SENATE deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros yesterday said the government should seize the assets of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and executives of offshore gaming firm Lucky South 99 to help the company’s displaced workers.
Hontiveros made the call a day after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed qualified human trafficking charges against Roque, Lucky South corporate secretary Cassandra Li and 48 other officials and employees before the
Angeles City Regional Trial Court in relation to the illegal activities of Lucky South, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) facility in Porac, Pampanga that was raided by authorities last year.
Qualified human trafficking is a non-bailable offense.
Hontiveros said the filing of the criminal charges against Roque, Li and the Lucky South executives show that “justice in motion.”
She said, though, that it would be better if the accused’s assets are immediately seized by the government “so they can be used to assist the POGO victims. The number of victims is as big as the Porac POGO hub.”
“All those who played a role in human trafficking, torture, and deceit that enabled the massive illegal operations of POGOs will answer before the law,” she said.
Hontiveros said Roque, Ong, and the other POGO officials “had it coming” after several Senate committees unearthed their illegal operations.
Sen. Joel Villanueva said Roque return to the Philippines and face the charges if he is really innocent of the charges.
“If he’s innocent, dapat handa niyang harapin ang kaso (he should face the charges),” Villanueva said.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the filing of cases against Roque and the others linked to POGOs “is a welcome development” as it shows government’s strong commitment in pursuing justice and accountability.
Gatchalian said this should also serve as a warning to anyone who will abuse and violate the law that they will be held accountable “regardless of their influence or position of power.”
