No practical effect: SC dismisses Harry Roque’s petition

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the petition of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to stop the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee (Quadcomm) from arresting him and requiring him to attend hearings and submit documents related to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In a decision made public Monday, the SC, through Associate Justice Sameul Gaerlan, said the petition has become moot after the HOR Queadcomm lifted the contempt order and the 19th Congress adjourned on June 11, 2025.

The controversy started when the Quadcomm, composed of the committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights and public accounts convened in 2024 to investigate illegal activities linked to POGOs.

On the QuadComm’s first hearing, Roque failed to attended, claiming that he thought it was set on a different date.

On the second hearing, he attended and was questioned for his alleged ties to POGO. He was required to bring certain documents and attend a third hearing.

Roque, however, did not comply. Instead, he filed a motion to quash the subpoena and stated that bringing documents would violate his rights against self-incrimination.

He was again invited but failed to appear, prompting the QuadComm to issue a subpoena for him to attend and issue a detention and contempt order.

Roque, through his daughter, then went to the SC and filed a writ of Amparo, prohibiting Quad Com from effecting the arrest of her father.

The petition for a writ of amparo, however was denied by the SC for being the wrong remedy against Congressional contempt.

On June 9, 2025, the QuadComm lifted the contempt order.

The SC, in its ruling explained that a ruling on Roque’s petition “can no longer have any practical effect.”