DOJ Files Human Trafficking Charges Against Harry Roque Jr.

In a dramatic development shaking the Philippine political and gaming landscape, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally confirmed human trafficking charges against Harry Roque Jr., the country’s former presidential spokesperson, and over 40 others connected to the offshore gaming firm Lucky South 99.

The accusations center around Roque’s alleged involvement with Lucky South 99, an offshore gaming operation raided by authorities in Porac, Pampanga. Justice undersecretary Nicholas Ty explained that although Roque claims he only acted as legal counsel for Whirlwind, the company leasing property to Lucky South 99, evidence suggests deeper involvement.

Ty stated,

“Even if he claimed that he was only a lawyer for Whirlwind, he went to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to follow up on the application of Lucky South 99 for its gambling license renewal. So, clearly, he is involved in organizing the illegal offshore gaming operator where the human trafficking occurred.”

Alongside Roque, high-profile individuals including Cassandra Ong, Dennis Cunanan, and Duanren Wu are also facing charges. The DOJ is now awaiting court-issued arrest warrants and has signaled its intent to notify Dutch authorities, as Roque is reportedly seeking political asylum in the Netherlands.

For the Philippine public, the revelations strike at the heart of political accountability and regulatory oversight in the country’s booming but controversial offshore gaming industry (POGOs). While offshore gambling has become a multibillion-dollar sector, it has increasingly drawn criticism over its ties to money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking.

Roque, once a prominent public figure, has fiercely denied the allegations, calling them “politically motivated” and asserting that he broke no laws by assisting with the PAGCOR meeting. Nonetheless, the case raises critical questions about the intersections of political power, legal representation, and regulatory gaps in the Philippines’ gambling sector.

Regulators, lawmakers, and industry players should closely monitor this case, as its outcome could significantly reshape public trust in the gaming sector and drive calls for stronger governance, stricter licensing processes, and enhanced anti-crime enforcement.

Philippine DOJ Confirms Human Trafficking Charges Against Former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque

Key Points

• DOJ Confirms Charges: Harry Roque Jr. and over 40 others face human trafficking charges tied to Lucky South 99.
• Alleged Regulatory Involvement: Roque reportedly followed up on Lucky South 99’s PAGCOR license renewal.
• International Dimension: With Roque seeking asylum in the Netherlands, the DOJ may request international cooperation.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Faces a Legal and Political Reckoning

The charges against Harry Roque signal a turning point for the Philippine offshore gaming industry, known locally as POGOs. While POGOs have brought significant economic benefits, including job creation and foreign investment, they have also invited escalating concerns about illegal operations, human exploitation, and criminal networks.

Lucky South 99, the company at the heart of this scandal, had been operating under a cloud of suspicion even before the Porac raid. The DOJ’s decision to file human trafficking charges highlights the government’s growing resolve to clamp down on illegal activities masked under the cover of offshore gaming licenses.

Roque’s defense—that he merely served as legal counsel without participating in illegal operations—raises important debates about the ethical responsibilities of legal representatives. However, the DOJ contends that his direct interactions with PAGCOR executives, on behalf of a company later exposed as a human trafficking hub, amount to clear complicity.

This scandal unfolds amid a broader public reckoning over the governance of POGOs. Across the region, regulatory agencies are under increasing pressure to tighten controls, enhance due diligence, and coordinate international efforts to combat transnational crime tied to gambling networks.

The DOJ’s confirmation of human trafficking charges against Harry Roque Jr. marks a high-profile escalation in the Philippines’ struggle to regulate its offshore gaming sector. As the case proceeds, it promises to test the country’s legal system, challenge political loyalties, and shape the future of one of Southeast Asia’s most scrutinized industries. For observers at home and abroad, this legal battle will serve as a critical barometer of the Philippines’ commitment to upholding justice, accountability, and the rule of law.