Congressional contempt is not evidence

This is in reference to the editorial of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, dated Dec. 12 2024, entitled “Roque arrest serves ends of justice.”

Let me clarify a few items:

On the increase in wealth, I have never declared less than P30 million in my statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth even when I was a working student at the University of the Philippines College of Law and the House of Representatives as early as 1988.

On my so-called “escape” because of the House arrest warrant and contempt order, first of all, I did not escape. I am free to travel. I have a no-hold-departure order. Anyone who says I falsified my travel documents can file a case in court. Further, I wish to reiterate that my arrest is for congressional contempt for documents sought and questions wholly unrelated to the contemplated legislation, contrary to the ruling in Bengzon v. Blue Ribbon Committee, Neri v. Blue Ribbon Commitee and Lincoln Ong v. Blue Ribbon Commitee. The matter remains pending in the Supreme Court. In any case, being a fugitive from a congressional contempt is not evidence of anything. It is flight from a court warrant of arrest that is evidence of guilt.

Finally, on what the Inquirer refers as political connections, we have to bear in mind that I am a loud and outspoken critic of the Marcos administration. No current official in the government would wish to be associated with me, much more provide assistance.

I hope these clarify the abovementioned issues.

HARRY ROQUE