Harry Roque released from House detention

Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has been released from detention at the House of Representatives. 

“He has been released after serving the 24-hour detention,” House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco told GMA News Online.

On Thursday evening, Roque was detained at the House after a joint lower chamber four-panel cited him in after Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo pointed out that the former spokesman lied about the reason for skipping the hearing on August 16.

The former spokesman of President Rodrigo Duterte was detained in the Batasang Pambansa Complex for 24 hours in consideration of him being a former member of the House and his apology over his actions.

Roque is facing scrutiny over his supposed engagement as a lawyer for Lucky South Star 99 POGO firm, where the belongings of his former staff in Malacañang were seized during a raid by authorities in Porac, Pampanga. 

He has denied that he has served as counsel of Lucky South 99, saying he only provided counsel concerning securing POGO licenses for Cassandra Ong who represented Whirlwind firm, not Lucky South 99.

Abuse of power?

Roque, meanwhile, released a statement about his detention, which he described as "political harassment."

"In my view, the contempt ruling smacks of abuse of power and political harassment against an anti-Marcos Jr. critic like me," Roque said on his Facebook page.

"But I will never cower before any persecutor. I will continue voicing my criticisms against the malpractices and incompetence in government," he added. 

The former presidential spokesperson of Duterte also said that "he will never cower before any prosecutor."

"After all, what criminal act have I committed? What constitutional provision did I violate? I look forward to facing all my accusers in the proper court of law."

—VAL, GMA Integrated News