Authorities on Monday filed an additional complaint against former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and two others over alleged trafficking operations at Lucky South 99 POGO in Porac, Pampanga.

Roque was added as a respondent in the complaint that was filed against Cassandra Li Ongauthorized respondent Lucky South 99 and others in September for violation of Republic Act 9208 as amended by RA 10364 as further amended by RA 11862.

According to Prosecutor Darwin Cañete of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Roque was included because of his alleged “active participation in promoting the illegal activity” of the company.

“There is a statement or testimony of the… assistant vice president of PAGCOR that on July 26, 2023, respondents Roque and Cassandra Ong went to their office to have a meeting with PAGCOR,” Cañete said in an interview ambush.

“There is a judicial affidavit and Atty. Fernandez that Atty. Roque did several follow-ups with her on the status of Lucky South’s online gambling license renewal application,” he added.

Asked about Roque’s earlier defense that he only accompanied Ong, Cañete expressed hope that the former spokesperson will present his evidence, saying this is Roque’s opportunity to clear his name.

“But for now, we cannot ignore the documentation, testimony and other evidence that was submitted for investigation at the extraordinary conclusion of the investigation. So ifa-file namin (And that was the conclusion of the investigation. So we will file it.),” he said.

In September, the House Quad Committee (QuadComm) cited Roque in contempt and ordered his detention after he refused to produce documents allegedly to justify his increased wealth.

He has not attended QuadComm hearings since.

Asked about Roque’s absence from the public eye, Cañete said it was up to Roque if he wanted to face the charges against him.

“But the process must go on. The trial must take place,” he said.

GMA News Online reached out to Roque for comment but had not yet received a response as of posting. —RF, GMA Integrated News