Hontiveros: Charges vs. Roque, Ong show justice in motion

FILE: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros. (Photo: Senator Risa Hontiveros/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The human trafficking charges filed against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, and 40 others mark a crucial step toward accountability, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday.

“They had it coming,” Hontiveros said, citing the Senate’s previous hearings that she said uncovered a “mountain of evidence” – including documents, testimonies, and direct links – implicating the individuals in the operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga.

“All those who played a role in human trafficking, torture, and deceit that enabled the massive illegal operations of POGOs will answer before the law,” she said in a statement.

Hontiveros also called for the immediate forfeiture of the accused individuals’ assets, stressing that the government should use the proceeds to assist the victims.

“Kung gaano kalaki ang POGO sa Porac, ganun din karami ang dami ng nabiktima (As big as POGO is in Porac, so are the number of victims),” she said.

The senator lauded the Department of Justice for its “relentless” efforts in pursuing the case and expressed confidence that justice will be served.