Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque expressed hope that the Supreme Court (SC) will further examine his plea challenging the ongoing investigation by the House Quad Committee (QuadComm), which had cited him in contempt and ordered his detention.
On Tuesday, the SC dismissed Roque’s petition for a writ of amparo, but accepted his petition for a writ of prohibition. Roque’s petition sought protection from arrest and a prohibition against the QuadComm’s order for his detention.
“We humbly accept the Supreme Court’s dismissal of our amparo petition, but remain hopeful that the Court will address our other concerns regarding the Quad Committee’s investigation,” Roque said in a Facebook post, reiterating that the investigation is “no longer in aid of legislation.”
Roque’s legal team also requested the SC to issue writs of certiorari and prohibition, which would prevent the QuadComm from forcing him to provide more documents or attend future hearings.
The SC has required the QuadComm to respond to Roque’s petition. QuadComm chairperson, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Ace Barbers, said he had not yet received the resolution.
The QuadComm is investigating crimes involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and deaths linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. Roque was cited in contempt after refusing to submit documents related to his wealth.