Alberto Rodulfo 'AR' Dela Serna revealed that he once had a joint bank account with former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque.
Dela Serna confirmed this during the fourth hearing of the House quad-committee on Thursday, which is investigating potential links between Roque and Lucky South 99, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) based in Porac, Pampanga.
He further clarified that the bank account in question was utilized during the 2022 election period, with the largest deposit in one transaction amounting to PHP 3 million. However, he mentioned that the joint bank account is already closed.
According to Dela Serna, he was withdrawing from the account on a monthly basis and using the funds to cover the payroll of Roque's staff during the election period.
Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop further questioned Dela Serna about the initial amount he contributed to the joint account.
"Wala po akong kino-contribute po doon," Dela Serna answered.
He added that he was just authorized by the ex-spox to withdaw anytime he wanted to or if deemed needed.
At the hearing, Dela Serna confirmed that they traveled abroad six times in 2023, including trips to Hong Kong and Beijing, along with other numerous travels, particularly around the time when the former spokesperson was running for Senate in 2022.
The solons were intrigued whether why Dela Serna continued to work for Roque even after Roque had left Malacañang. Notably, his salary had decreased to PHP 20,000 from a previous range of PHP 37,000 to PHP 52,000
“Mayroon kasi kaming private conversation ni Atty. Roque… mayroon siyang iniutos sa akin regarding business venture niya, if that would boom, then I would beneft also po,” Dela Serna said.
Additionally, Dela Serna said he trusts Roque and is assured that Roque would not jeopardize his well-being.
Dela Serna served as Roque's Executive Assistant during Roque's tenure as presidential spokesperson in Malacañang and continued to work for him as the lawyer's assistant afterwards.
