THE House quad-committee has escalated its investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by issuing a subpoena to Alberto Rodulfo “AR” Dela Serna, former executive assistant to ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, after he failed to appear in a crucial hearing.
Dela Serna, who was invited by the committee to its Aug. 22 hearing, submitted an excuse letter through his lawyer, Kevin San Agustin, instead of attending in person.
The validity of this excuse was questioned by Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, co-chair of the quad-committee, who moved for a subpoena to compel Dela Serna’s testimony.
“The excuse letter that was signed by Atty. Agustin is not valid,” Paduano declared, pointing out that the lawyer provided no proof of his legal authority to represent Dela Serna.
The motion was promptly seconded and approved by the committee.
On Aug. 16, Dela Serna was issued a show cause order by the quad-committee as part of its ongoing investigation into the links between POGOs, the illegal drug trade, unlawful land acquisitions by Chinese nationals, and extrajudicial killings tied to the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs.”
His failure to attend the Aug. 22 hearing led the committee to escalate its actions by issuing a subpoena ad testificandum.
When Roque’s name became entangled in the government’s crackdown on POGO hubs operated by Chinese high-rollers, Dela Serna—a former male pageant contestant who represented the Philippines in the 2016 Mister Supranational competition in Poland—also came under intense public scrutiny.
Dela Serna’s connection to Roque was revealed during a raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, a known POGO hub.
During the raid, authorities discovered Dela Serna’s appointment papers as Executive Assistant III under Roque’s office, dated Oct. 5, 2021, along with an affidavit from Roque assuming full responsibility for Dela Serna’s financial needs during a trip to Poland, Ukraine and Italy in October 2023.
These findings have raised serious questions about the nature of their relationship and the legitimacy of their travels.
