By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Leaders of the historic House Quad Committee on Wednesday (20 November 2024) filed a bill aimed at establishing an administrative process to expedite the cancellation of birth certificates fraudulently obtained by foreign nationals, including those involved in illegal drug operations and other criminal activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
House Bill (HB) No. 11117, also known as the proposed “Fraudulent Birth Certificate Cancellation Law,” is the third legislative initiative stemming from the Quad Committee’s investigation into alleged criminal activities by foreigners, particularly the use of falsified documents.
The bill was introduced by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales Jr.; Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez; Quad Committee Chairs Robert Ace Barbers, Bienvenido Abante Jr., Dan Fernandez, and Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano; and Quad Committee Vice Chair Romeo Acop.
Other authors include Reps. Johnny Ty Pimentel, Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, Rodge Gutierrez, Francisco Paolo Ortega V, Jay Khonghun, Jonathan Keith Flores, Jil Bongalon, Margarita “Atty. Migs” Nograles, Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Joel Chua, Zia Alonto Adiong, Lordan Suan, and Cheeno Miguel Almario.
“A birth certificate is the most basic document a Filipino citizen must have. It is a document that signifies the State’s acknowledgment of an individual as a Filipino and opens up opportunities for that person, such as practicing a profession, engaging in specific businesses, or even running for public office,” the bill’s authors explained in their explanatory note.
This legislative move follows revelations that thousands of foreign nationals have fraudulently acquired Philippine birth certificates.
In Davao del Sur alone, more than 1,200 falsified birth certificates were issued by the local civil registrar as of July 2024.
Lawmakers suspect these schemes may involve collusion with public officers.
“These foreigners likely received assistance from public officers at local civil registry offices to obtain these fraudulent birth certificates,” the bill’s authors noted.
Despite the evidence of fraud, lawmakers pointed out that current procedures require a judicial order to cancel a birth certificate, a process that can take years. In the meantime, these fraudulent documents allow foreign nationals to engage in illegal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking.
“This situation cannot continue,” the lawmakers emphasized.
Under the proposed legislation, a Special Committee on Cancellation of Fraudulent Birth Certificates would be created, chaired by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Registrar General, with members from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
The committee would have the authority to investigate complaints, subpoena evidence, and issue decisions on fraudulent birth certificates within 30 days of receiving evidence.
Complaints may be filed by any legal-age citizen or law enforcement agency and must include specific evidence, such as the name of the foreign national, details of the fraudulent birth certificate, and how it was obtained.
The foreign national would then have 15 days to respond to the complaint, after which the committee would hold hearings and make a decision based on the evidence.
Decisions would be immediately enforceable but could be appealed to the Office of the President, which must resolve the appeal within 30 days.
The bill also includes penalties for public officials and private individuals involved in facilitating fraudulent registrations.
“It’s time to end these unlawful activities,” the authors declared. “Filipino citizenship should not be so easily acquired by unscrupulous individuals seeking to further their own interests. Being a Filipino is something we must honor and protect.”
This legislation follows the filing of two other bills related to the Quad Committee’s investigations.
Earlier this month, Quad Committee leaders filed HB 11043, the proposed “Civil Forfeiture Act,” which seeks to allow the government to seize real estate unlawfully acquired by foreign nationals, especially those tied to POGOs.
They also filed HB 10987, the “Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act,” in October, which aims to impose a nationwide ban on POGOs, reinforcing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard public safety and national security from criminal activities linked to POGOs.
The proposed legislation seeks to ban all offshore gaming in the country and impose penalties for violations.
Also last month, the Quad Committee submitted key documents to the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for potential legal actions against Chinese nationals accused of using fake Filipino citizenship to acquire land and establish businesses in the Philippines.
The mega-panel, which includes the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts, urged the OSG to expedite the review and initiate legal actions, including civil forfeiture proceedings with the relevant agencies.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Leaders of the House Quad Committee are calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to utilize findings from the mega panel to pursue legal action against former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and others involved in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his administration.
Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. and Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez emphasized that while the Quad Committee does not have the authority to prosecute cases, they strongly urge the DOJ to act on their findings.
“If the DOJ requests, we are ready to turn over documents,” Abante assured, highlighting the committee’s commitment to cooperating with the justice system.
As chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Abante noted that these extrajudicial killings have impacted thousands of civilians, with estimates from the International Criminal Court indicating between 12,000 and 30,000 deaths during Duterte’s presidency.
“Willful killings have affected thousands of civilians,” Abante stated, stressing the systemic nature of the violence, which primarily targeted low-level drug offenders rather than major drug lords.
Fernandez pointed out the significance of Republic Act (RA) No. 9851, particularly the concept of command responsibility outlined in the law.
“RA 9851 clarifies the definition and penalties for acts against international humanitarian law, including genocide and crimes against humanity,” he explained, noting how Duterte’s own admissions could imply command responsibility.
Citing specific provisions of RA 9851, Fernandez stated, “Section 8 addresses command responsibility for superiors. As the supreme leader during his tenure, he bears responsibility.”
He added that Duterte’s role as commander-in-chief makes him accountable for the orders leading to the EJKs under his administration.
Abante reiterated the committee’s goal of seeking justice.
“We want justice to be served,” he asserted, emphasizing his position as chairman of the Committee on Human Rights.
While Abante condemned the presence of drugs in the country, he questioned the methods employed during the drug war that resulted in significant loss of life.
He challenged the rationale behind the thousands of civilian deaths, including minors, during the anti-drug campaign, asking, “Is it collateral damage when a 3-year-old or a 9-year-old is killed?”
According to Abante, most fatalities were drug users and pushers from impoverished communities, with only a few high-profile drug lords apprehended or killed.
He also criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s dismissive remarks about the deaths, questioning the senator’s language and attitude towards the loss of life.
“What does he mean by ‘shit happens’? Perhaps he doesn’t understand the weight of that expression,” Abante remarked, challenging the normalization of violence during the drug war.
In response to a question about Duterte’s recent comments regarding a “death squad” and implications for retired generals, Fernandez said, “We know the President likes to joke, but sometimes it’s hard to discern the truth.”
However, he emphasized the necessity for accountability, stating that Duterte’s remarks must be taken seriously given his position as the country’s leader.
“Now, regarding his statements this time… he must be held responsible,” Fernandez insisted, highlighting the serious implications of Duterte’s words.
Fernandez urged the DOJ to apply RA 9851 to ensure accountability in cases involving crimes against humanity and EJKs.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The bloody war on drugs and extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration contributed to an increase in crimes nationwide, according to two leading members of the House Quad Comm on Wednesday (30 Oct 2024).
House Quad Comm Co-Chair Rep. Dan Fernandez of Laguna and Lead Chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte responded to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that crime rates are higher now than when he was in office.
Fernandez, Chair of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said official Philippine National Police (PNP) data does not support Duterte’s assertion.
“Nabudol na naman tayo. Malinaw na mas mababa ang krimen ngayon kumpara noong panahon ng dating administrasyon,” Fernandez said.
According to Fernandez, PNP reports indicate a significant drop in index crimes from July 1, 2022, to July 28, 2024, totaling 83,059 cases compared to 217,830 during the same period in Duterte’s first two years (2016-2018)—a 61.87 percent decrease.
The report highlights a 55.69 percent decrease in violent crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injuries, and rape. Robbery, theft, car theft, and other property crimes also dropped by 66.81 percent, down to 41,420 cases from 124,799 during the same comparative period.
Crime clearance efficiency rose by 27.13 percent, and the crime solution efficiency rate increased by 10.28 percent, Fernandez said, citing the PNP.
Barbers, Chair of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, noted that the PNP has also reported drug seizures worth ₱35.6 billion and the arrest of 122,309 drug suspects.
Both Barbers and Fernandez highlighted that the Marcos administration’s campaign against illegal drugs contrasts with Duterte’s approach, describing it as “bloodless.”
“The present national leadership values and respects the sanctity of life,” Barbers said.
Fernandez added that the current anti-drug drive “doesn’t incite anger, resentment, or a desire for revenge among the public.”
“It focuses on apprehending suspects and rehabilitating them, rather than ‘neutralizing’ them,” he said, referring to the term often associated with Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
Retired senior police officers recently testified before Quad Comm, explaining that terms like “neutralize” and “negate,” used by Duterte’s former PNP chief and now Sen. Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa in a 2016 command circular, included killing suspects.
Barbers claimed that Duterte’s hardline drug war inadvertently led to more crime.
“Ang isang action ay may kasunod na reaction. Kapag pinatay mo ang isang drug suspect, lalo na kung nadamay pa ang inosenteng kamag-anak o civilian, malamang sa hindi, may maghahangad sa pamilya ng namatayan ng paghihiganti,” he said.
“Hindi ka nakakatugon sa problema; sa halip, nagdudulot ka pa ng bago,” he added.
Fernandez criticized Duterte’s drug war for focusing on low-level users and street dealers, with minimal impact on high-value targets.
“Kaya libo-libo ang napatay, mahigit 20,000, halos lahat users lang na puwedeng ma-rehabilitate. Hindi naman tinamaan ‘yung malalaking drug lord,” he said.
He added that rumors persisted of high-value targets being taken down only to remove competition, citing a 2018 case linking Duterte’s family members to a major drug shipment.
Former Customs agent Jimmy Guban testified to the Quad Comm, claiming that Duterte’s son, then Davao City Congressman Paolo Duterte; his son-in-law, Manases Carpio; and his economic adviser, Chinese national Michael Yang, were allegedly behind an ₱11-billion drug shipment seized in Cavite.
Barbers also pointed out that many criminal syndicates exposed under the Marcos administration originated during Duterte’s term. He cited the P6.3-billion shabu bust in a Pampanga warehouse in September 2023, allegedly connected to Chinese nationals linked to Yang.
“This crime gang that flourished during the previous administration still casts a shadow over the current leadership’s efforts to curb criminal activities,” Barbers concluded.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Members of the House Quad Committee have filed a bill seeking to classify extrajudicial killings (EJKs) as heinous crimes, imposing severe penalties including life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua without the possibility of parole.
House Bill (HB) No. 10986, also known as the Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act, defines EJKs as unlawful killings carried out by state agents or individuals acting with the acquiescence or tolerance of state authorities.
“Extrajudicial killing (EJK) refers to any killing other than those imposed by the State in accordance with the Constitution on heinous crimes or a deliberate and arbitrary killing of any person without prior judgment by a competent court, which upholds the judicial guarantees recognized as indispensable by civilized nations,” the bill states.
“It may be committed by a public officer, person in authority, agent of a person in authority, or any individual acting under the actual or apparent authority of the State,” it adds.
Filed last Monday, HB 10986 is authored by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez, and Quad Committee co-chairmen Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Bienvenido “Benny” Abante, Dan Fernandez, and Stephen Joseph “Caraps” Paduano.
Other authors include Reps. Romeo Acop, Johnny Pimentel, Gerville “Jinky” Luistro, Rodge Gutierrez, Paolo Ortega, Jay Khonghun, and Jonathan Keith Flores.
The bill also provides for government compensation to the families of EJK victims, recognizing the injustices they have suffered, through the establishment of an Extrajudicial Killing Claims Board.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The House Quad Committee has denied a motion by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to quash a subpoena requiring him to submit key documents, including business records, tax returns, and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro moved to deny Roque’s request, which was swiftly approved by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chair of the Quad Committee and head of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
Roque had previously promised to provide the joint panel with copies of these documents, which are critical to an investigation into his alleged ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Rep. Luistro highlighted the inconsistency between Roque’s limited government salary and the sudden increase in his assets, including shares in Biancham Holdings, a family-owned company, despite his denial of POGO involvement.
Luistro further argued that if Roque cannot account for his wealth, it could bolster suspicions of his connection to POGO activities. She emphasized that the probe could lead to legislative reforms, potentially revisiting laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and even the Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers.
A visibly frustrated Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chair of the Committee on Human Rights, also pushed for Roque to explain his absence at hearings on August 28 and September 4. He urged the Quad Committee to compel Roque’s attendance at the next session.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – A co-chairman of the House Quad Committee investigating the links between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and illegal drugs, as well as human rights violations, said Friday (06 Sept 2024) that Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Senior Superintendent Gerardo Padilla might qualify as a state witness.
House Public Order and Safety Committee Chairperson Dan Fernandez pointed out that Padilla, who alleged he was instructed to back off from a kill order on three Chinese inmates convicted of drug offenses, has significant information about the drug war deaths.
Fernandez indicated that Padilla and his family’s safety might lead to him being placed under the Witness Protection Program (WPP).
“I can’t disclose much at this point, but his revelations are quite significant. He will likely be considered for the WPP,” Fernandez told reporters during a virtual press conference.
Padilla, former officer-in-charge of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF), reported to the House Quad Committee that a high-ranking Davao City police official had instructed him to avoid interfering with an operation targeting Chinese DPPF inmates convicted of drug offenses.
These inmates were murdered in August 2016.
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