By Junex Doronio

MANILA — House Quad Comm leaders on Monday (28 Oct 2024) dismissed as “lies” the claims that they coerced a police official to support testimony regarding the controversial reward system in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Police Col. Hector Grijaldo alleged before a Senate panel that Quad Committee co-chairs Reps. Dan Fernandez and Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. pressured him on October 22 to sign an affidavit backing former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma’s claims on incentives in anti-drug operations.

Addressing the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, attended by former President Rodrigo Duterte, Grijaldo claimed he felt “corrupted to make that statement” under pressure from the lawmakers.

Fernandez, chair of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, firmly refuted Grijaldo’s claims, calling them “lies of the highest level” meant to undermine the mega-panel’s ongoing investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

“Lies ‘yan,” Fernandez stated. “Pinatawag siya [Grijaldo] because Col. Garma’s lawyer informed us that he knew something about the reward system. We never asked him to sign any affidavit,” Fernandez added, stressing the committee’s commitment to uncovering the truth.

“This is their way to discredit the Quad Committee, but the truth will prevail. We are committed to pursuing justice for all lives lost,” added Fernandez, who represents Santa Rosa City.

Fernandez clarified that Garma had herself suggested Grijaldo’s involvement, believing he was knowledgeable about the alleged reward system.

“Before the Quad Committee hearing, Col. Garma requested a meeting, so I asked Chair Ace Barbers to join as a witness,” he said, referring to overall Quad Committee chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte.

He continued, “Major Mola, a friend of Garma’s, said she was ready to reveal the truth, but as soon as Col. Grijaldo, supposedly her friend, joined the discussion, everything changed. It’s no wonder Col. Grijaldo became a ‘pain in the neck’ for Col. Garma.”

Abante, also named in Grijaldo’s statement, denied any coercion and criticized the Senate hearing as biased.

“There is no truth to the accusations that I forced anyone to sign an affidavit in exchange for favors or promotions,” said Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights.

The lawmaker from Manila’s 6th District continued, “The conduct of the Senate hearing raises questions of fairness and impartiality. Senators cannot be both subjects of the hearing and responsible for conducting it.”

Following Grijaldo’s testimony, former President Duterte announced he would file a “subornation of perjury” case against Fernandez, alleging an attempt to improperly influence Grijaldo’s testimony.

“Carry on; nothing will prevent us from pursuing the truth behind all these killings,” Fernandez asserted.

Despite the allegations, Fernandez and Abante pledged to continue the Quad Committee’s investigation.

“In the end, we believe the truth will come out, and those responsible will be held accountable for these crimes against our people,” Abante concluded.

ia/mnm