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 stated, referring to the Senate's previous hearings that she claimed 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that all those who played a role in human trafficking, torture, and deceit that enabled the illegal operations of POGOs will face the law. She called for the immediate forfeiture of the accused individuals' assets and stressed 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 remarked.

The senator also praised the Department of Justice for its efforts in pursuing the case and expressed confidence that justice will be served.