SC junks Harry Roque’s petition vs House QuadComm

The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s petition challenging his arrest during the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee (QuadCom) investigation into alleged illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) in 2024.

In a 12-page decision, the SC En Banc ruled that Roque’s petition had been rendered moot after the House Quad Committee lifted the contempt order against him and Congress adjourned in June 2025.

“With the lifting of the contempt order, the cessation of the Quad Committee’s inquiry, and the expiration of the 19th Congress, this Court can no longer grant any practical relief to Atty. Roque. The petition must perforce be dismissed,” it said.

To recall, the QuadCom issued a contempt order against Roque and ordered his detention in September 2024 after he refused to submit documents that would justify his alleged increase in wealth.

Days later, Roque asked the High Court to issue a writ of amparo to block his arrest and to temporarily stop the QuadCom from enforcing the detention order.

He also sought a writ of certiorari and a writ of prohibition to prevent the QuadCom from compelling him to produce additional documents or attend future hearings.

While the petition was pending, the SC denied his request for a writ of amparo, ruling that it was not the proper remedy against contempt and detention orders.

The decision was promulgated in December 2025 and made public in March 2026.

Roque has yet to return to the country amid charges of qualified human trafficking in connection with the Lucky South 99 POGO firm.

He previously sought asylum in the Netherlands, but later said Dutch authorities told him that protection would depend on the Austrian government, which issued his visa.—MCG, GMA Integrated News