By Junex Doronio
MANILA — To unravel the complex interconnections among Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), drug syndicates, corruption, and extra-judicial killings (EJKs) involving law enforcers, the House of Representatives has formed a Quad Committee to conduct comprehensive investigations in aid of legislation.
They have resolved to summon former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to shed light on issues involving Chinese nationals.
The House Quad Committee comprises the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers; Public Order and Safety, chaired by Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez; Human Rights, chaired by Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr.; and Public Accounts, chaired by Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano.
Barbers highlighted that the Quad Committee is a historic first, aiming to integrate the overlapping issues and figures from each committee’s ongoing investigations.
Abante explained that the Quad Committee’s goal is to enact remedial legislation to address public security concerns and ensure that all parties involved are prosecuted and held accountable.
Fernandez added that the joint committee was formed to expedite the investigation and legislative process. He noted that the committee reports from each committee’s investigations will be consolidated to support the Quad Committee’s probe moving forward.
However, Acop pointed out that former President Duterte and Senator Dela Rosa cannot be compelled to attend the Quad Committee’s hearing. He emphasized that respect is still accorded to the former Chief Executive, and in the case of the former PNP chief and now a sitting senator, inter-parliamentary courtesy is observed.
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