Team DailyPedia
Social media erupted recently after documents retrieved from a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pampanga revealed that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque had funded a travel companion who later became his executive assistant.
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) conducted a raid at the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, Pampanga, a known POGO hub where authorities previously discovered illegal drugs and torture instruments. During this operation, papers bearing Roque’s signature were discovered.
Among the documents was an appointment paper designating Alberto Rodulfo De La Serna as Executive Assistant III in the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson from January 4, 2021, to December 31, 2021.
Additionally, an affidavit of support indicated that Roque would financially support De La Serna’s travel to Poland, Ukraine, and Italy from October 9 to 18, 2023. Roque cited the need for a travel companion due to his health issues, including diabetes and coronary conditions, to accompany him as an invited resource person for an event on the Peace Process in Ukraine.
Roque defended the documents, stating they belonged to his former long-time staff now studying near the POGO hub in Clark. PAOCC spokesperson Winston John Casio confirmed Roque had served as a lawyer for Whirlwind Corporation, which leased property to Lucky South 99, and stressed that neither Roque’s lawyering nor the discovery of De La Serna’s documents constituted suspicious activity. He added that the body is not investigating De La Serna.
Despite this, online discussions surged, questioning De La Serna’s qualifications to be Roque’s travel companion.
harry roque getting that insulin: https://t.co/m45a0fq4BP pic.twitter.com/79Qh64OIN0
— ali (@rattifiedd) June 17, 2024
SARAP NA SARAP SI HARRY ROQUE SA PAG-LUSTAY NG KABAN NG BAYAN BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA#ParaSaBayag pic.twitter.com/IjbuxCxunW
— AltA2Z (@AltA2ZChannel11) June 17, 2024
Do you remember how he shamed Leila De Lima in the past?
Gawain niya rin pala. https://t.co/1XWjdrBEyE
— Justin Dizon (@iamjustindizon) June 17, 2024
!
My concern is how did a end up in a “ ” premises! Is Roque the / of the @attyharryroque pic.twitter.com/38N8kFCC9C
— Pingping Will Tweet (@PingpingTweets) June 17, 2024
Social media users highlighted De La Serna’s past as a male pageant contestant and questioned his medical field experience.
The “company” he kept.
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I am diabetic, hypertensive and with a heart ♥️ condition. And I don’t need a Mr Supranational company for that. pic.twitter.com/cgl9k00hXA
— FIGHT THE DUTERTE & MARCOS TROLLS (@_rainbowfighter) June 16, 2024
Since Harry Roque is diabetic, he needed a travel companion who is:
❌ Nurse
✅ Mister Supranational 2016 https://t.co/p0eCn3oV3U pic.twitter.com/RBsqX0DTKx— IG: robismore (@robismore) June 16, 2024
Some humorously suggested that a medical professional, such as a nurse or caregiver, would have been a more appropriate travel companion for Roque given his health claims.
Affidavit lang, enjoy mo na ang travel junket.
Maybe it’s time to pass a law that screened those included in official travel na ginagastusan ng publiko.
Sana ay gumaling na si Roque sa kanyang diabetes, coronary stent at spinal stenosis. Wait, nurse ba ang kasama niya? https://t.co/XGEyOquyRQ
— Pari Koy (@pads_nosi) June 17, 2024
Diabetic pero sugar da- emsss https://t.co/XqpRSShGWc
— JM Dangane (@jmdanganemd) June 17, 2024
The revelations have added a layer of intrigue to the ongoing scrutiny of POGOs and the various figures associated with them.
