By Junexx Doronio
MANILA – In response to criticisms and accolades, the House Quad Committee has filed five bills designed to address flaws and gaps in the country’s legal framework.
Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Quadcom lead chair and chairman of the House Dangerous Drugs panel, announced on Wednesday (December 25, 2024) that the mega panel has also recommended at least 30 proposed amendments to strengthen existing laws and prevent abuses and misdeeds from recurring.
“Napakadali lang para sa mga kritiko, lalo na iyong mga bayaran, na sirain o gibain ang ngalan at nagawa ng Quadcom, ng mga co-chairs at members nito. Sadyang di nila pinapansin o binibigyan ng importansya ang mga mahahalagang findings ng Quadcom tulad ng pagkakilala sa mga Pinoy at Chinese individuals na pasok sa drug smuggling sa bansa, mga Pinoy at banyaga na nagbibigay ng proteksyon sa mga POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) at sa mga iba’t ibang illegal na gawain nito, at sa mga otoridad na nagbigay ng proteksyon at pera sa mga alagad ng batas para magsagawa ng EJKs (extra-judicial killings) na ikinamatay ng may 30,000 na biktima na hindi binigyan ng due process o hustisya,” Barbers said.
Barbers enumerated the five bills filed by Quadcom:
1. House Bill No. 10986 – Classifying and penalizing extra-judicial killings as a heinous crime, while providing reparations for victims.
2. House Bill No. 10987 – Prohibiting all forms of offshore gaming operations in the country, with severe penalties for violations.
3. House Bill No. 11043 – Allowing civil forfeiture of unlawfully acquired real estate properties by foreign nationals.
4. House Bill No. 11117 – Providing for the administrative cancellation of fraudulently obtained birth certificates by foreign nationals.
5. House Bill No. 10998 – Penalizing conspiracy and proposals to commit espionage.
Barbers explained how crime syndicates have exploited loopholes in Philippine laws to carry out illegal activities. “Sa isang simpleng pag-analisa, pinag-aralang maigi ng mga local at foreign crime syndicates ang mga kahinaan at butas ng ating mga batas at ginamit nila ito upang maisakatuparan ang kanilang mga illegal na gawain sa ating bansa,” he said.
He emphasized that the legislative inquiries and extensive research conducted by Quadcom were no easy task for its co-chairs and members.
Barbers highlighted the Quadcom’s probe into extra-judicial killings, which exposed disturbing narratives of abuse of power and institutional impunity during the Duterte administration.
The Quadcom – composed of the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Public Accounts, and Human Rights – was formed following an investigation into a P3.9-billion illegal drugs bust in San Jose Malino, Mexico, Pampanga, in September 2023.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – A Mindanao lawmaker on Monday (16 December 2024) condemned what he referred to as the “Modern Traitors” or “Makabagong Makapili” — Filipinos and Chinese-Filipino (Tsinoy) individuals, along with their financially-backed local trolls and vloggers, who defend, support, and propagate China’s narrative concerning its territorial claims, hostile actions, and violations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers, lead chair of the Lower House’s Quad Committee and chair of the House’s Dangerous Drugs panel, expressed deep dismay over the existence of unpatriotic Filipino trolls and vloggers who, he believes, have lost their sense of nationalism for the sake of money.
“They are spreading false information against our own country. They are firmly stating that China’s claims on our territories are valid and that we should engage in dialogue to resolve this conflict peacefully,” Barbers said.
“Have they not seen or heard of our repeated attempts to engage with Chinese leaders? What has been their response? One answer – ‘The entire sea is ours, including the whole of the Philippines,’” he added.
In a privilege speech delivered at the House plenary, Barbers pointed out that China had set the precondition of disregarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Hague-based International Arbitral Tribunal ruling, both of which favor the Philippine claims over the WPS, before engaging in dialogue.
He also mocked China’s claim to the South China Sea, citing that the name “South China Sea” was given by Portuguese explorers, not the Chinese. The region was once called the Champa Sea, named after the Austronesian Kingdom of Central Vietnam.
“This, despite the clear ruling of the UNCLOS and the IAT that China’s claim to historic rights in the WPS has no basis in law and is legally invalid,” he continued.
“If historical rights are China’s argument for claiming the WPS, then Mongolia should own all of China since they conquered it during the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan. By the same logic, Spain should also claim the Philippines as their own, given that they ruled us for over 300 years,” Barbers added.
UNCLOS, also known as the Law of the Sea, is an international treaty that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities, and China was one of the signatories when it was adopted in 1982.
However, Barbers emphasized that China continues to ignore and disrespect the UNCLOS and IAT rulings, which favor the Philippines’ claims to the WPS, as well as the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The Philippines won the IAT ruling in The Hague, which upheld what the UNCLOS says. Furthermore, the Arbitral Tribunal called China’s nine-dash line a fictitious claim. Thus, we have two pieces of evidence that the world and the law recognize,” Barbers stressed.
He also pointed out China’s continuous intrusion into the Philippines’ EEZ, hostile actions against Filipino sailors and fishermen, encroachment into territorial waters, and militarization of the WPS.
China has also expressed its opposition to the Philippines’ Republic Acts 12064 and 12065, which govern the country’s maritime zones. Chinese officials summoned the Philippine Ambassador in Beijing, demanding the repeal of these laws.
“Well, it seems that not only the WPS but the entire government is what they want to control,” Barbers quipped.
In addition to its actions in the WPS, China has allegedly been involved in the creeping invasion of the Philippines, with the influx of thousands of Chinese offshore gaming (POGO) workers and other criminal elements involved in activities like murder, torture, kidnapping, cybercrimes, and illegal drugs.
“Chinese drug suspects have also laundered money, created interlocking purely Chinese-owned companies, and illegally bought thousands of hectares of land. This doesn’t even include the more than 6,000 Chinese ‘foreign students’ in suspicious locations studying courses that have no use for Filipinos,” he said.
“Authorities have also detained suspected Chinese soldiers, identified by the military uniforms found in their rented apartments. Recently, they deployed ‘fake fishing vessels’ manned by Chinese navy personnel in the WPS. Now, they are sending ships to supposedly dredge our waters,” he added.
Barbers urged Filipinos not to believe the propaganda that China would wage war against the Philippines due to its partnership with Western allies, calling it a line promoted by the “Makabagong Makapili.” In fact, Barbers said, the alliance with the West has benefitted the country with modern defense equipment, training, and protection.
“Just recently, we almost surrendered our sovereignty to China, pleading for them to annex us as a province. It is fortunate that this did not happen, perhaps due to time constraints. Otherwise, we could be embroiled in a bloody civil war. We are fortunate that we have God on our side,” Barbers concluded.
He called on all Filipinos to unite in condemning the atrocities committed by China both within the Philippines and in the WPS, ensuring the world hears their collective voice.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The House Quad Committee, during its year-end hearing on December 12, 2024, renewed its unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and delivering justice in the cases of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and the illegal drug trade tied to former President Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Wala pong sisinuhin ang Quad Comm. There will be no sacred cows. We will leave no stone unturned in the search for truth, justice, and accountability,” Quad Comm lead chair, Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte, declared during the 13th hearing of the mega-panel.
Barbers, who also chairs the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, emphasized the undeniable connection between the drug war and EJKs, saying, “It was as if the war on drugs could not be carried out without killing thousands of people.” He described the alarming pattern of systemic violence and corruption that had been exposed over the course of the 12 previous hearings.
Barbers highlighted testimonies that implicated high-ranking officials, including former President Duterte, in a “reward system” for killing drug suspects. According to these testimonies, rewards for such killings ranged from PHP 20,000 to PHP 1 million. This was confirmed by former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma and corroborated by former National Police Commission Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.
Barbers also pointed out that Duterte himself admitted during a testimony that police were instructed to fabricate resistance scenarios to justify killings.
“Kanyang inamin na inutusan nya ang mga kapulisan na patayin ang mga drug personalities, bagama’t sinabi nya na dapat ito ay manlaban, na kung hindi naman manlalaban ay dapat piliting manlaban upang ma-justify ang pagpatay sa mga ito,” Barbers stated.
The hearings also unearthed serious allegations against other prominent figures. Suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa accused former Philippine National Police Chief and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa of involvement in the killing of his father, Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa.
Espinosa also claimed that Dela Rosa was involved in framing former Senator Leila de Lima, resulting in her seven-year imprisonment despite a lack of solid evidence.
Barbers recounted how former Customs personnel Jimmy Guban, businessman Mark Taguba, and dismissed police colonel Eduardo Acierto implicated figures like Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, Vice President Duterte’s husband Manases “Mans” Carpio, and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang in large-scale smuggling operations.
The committee also exposed connections between illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the drug trade, implicating former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, a Chinese national and major POGO operator. Guo was found to have laundered drug money through corporations linked to suspected drug lords Michael Yang and Lin Weixiong (also known as Alan Lim).
Additionally, former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was implicated in lobbying the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on behalf of the POGO operator Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga. Records also showed a sudden, unexplained surge in Roque’s declared assets, which he failed to adequately explain.
Barbers announced that the committee’s findings had led to the drafting of key legislative measures aimed at closing legal loopholes and ensuring accountability.
These include harsher penalties for EJKs, confiscation of properties tied to fraudulent documents, and granting government agencies greater authority to cancel fictitious corporate registrations.
Barbers also took aim at efforts to discredit the Quad Comm’s work. “Maraming bayarang trolls at kritiko na wala namang naintindihan sa usapin o sadyang ayaw umintindi,” he said. “But the truth will prevail.”
In conclusion, Barbers expressed his gratitude to the public for their trust and support, which, he emphasized, had empowered the committee to face every challenge, uncover the truth, and deliver justice.
“Dahil sa inyong kooperasyon, suporta, paniniwala at pagtitiwala, ang Quad Comm ay matagumpay na humaharap sa lahat ng pagsubok upang mabatid ang katotohanan at mabigyan ng katarungan at kasagutan ang ating mga hinaing, tungo sa tunay na kapayapaan,” Barbers said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will no longer be invited by the House Quad Committee as it prepares to present to the plenary an initial report on its exhaustive inquiries into illegal drugs, the connection to illicit Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his administration.
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, lead panel chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte announced that the mega committee would submit the report before Congress begins its Christmas recess on December 21.
“No need na siguro, because yong 12-13 hours na meeting natin sa kanya (Duterte) basically ‘yun na yong gusto nating marinig, a little more than what he revealed or what he admitted in the Senate. So sa tingin ko sufficient na yon,” Barbers said.
He added that the Quad Committee is presenting a “progress report” so that several remedial legislative measures filed by its members could soon be acted upon.
“The reason kasi why we will submit this in the plenary ‘yong progress report, kasi there are things na dapat maaksiyunan na kaagad,” Barbers explained.
He noted that the plenary could suggest to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to include the measures in his priority legislative agenda, or even certify them as urgent to expedite the approval process.
“Halimbawa, no yong mga proposed legislation na ifinile namin no we are hoping na because this is the output of Quad Comm…eh dapat siguro kung pupuwede maisama sa legislative agenda na ating Pangulo or baka suwertehin pa tayo, ma-certify as urgent yung bill no nang sa ganun yung counterpart naman sa Senate ay gumawa din at kumilos din. So basically, this is the intention of the progress report, para ma-dispose na namin yan,” the Surigaonon lawmaker stressed.
Barbers highlighted that Quad Comm members have introduced at least four remedial measures.
“Importante yan kasi, if I’m not mistaken, mayroon kaming mga apat na proposed legislation na diyan tungkol sa amendments to the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” he said.
“So maaaring ma-consider din ito bilang priority legislation. So sana, this is what we are hoping for na once the plenary ay majority of the members agree and vote in support of this report, then perhaps it will give a signal that this should be included in the legislative agenda of our President,” he added.
Among the proposed legislation is a bill defining extrajudicial killing as a heinous crime with the maximum penalty for offenders, and a proposal to create an inter-agency government committee led by the Philippine Statistics Authority to expedite the cancellation of questionable birth certificates.
During its inquiry, the panel discovered that several Chinese nationals obtained Filipino citizenship using fake birth certificates. These individuals then formed corporations and purchased land and buildings used for illegal activities, including a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Malino, Mexico town, Pampanga, where authorities seized ₱3.6 billion worth of shabu in September 2023.
Barbers noted that the initial progress report would also include recommendations for filing charges against individuals linked to illegal drugs, illicit POGOs, and EJKs, urging government agencies to pursue these cases.
“Mayroon tayong nirerekomenda d’yan based on testimonial evidence and documentary evidence. Eh nakita namin na siguro its high time that we report this out and let the appropriate agency conduct further investigation on EJK, mayroon din sa POGO and drugs,” he said.
The panel will continue presenting progress reports as it pursues inquiries into illegal drugs, POGOs, and EJKs. Barbers mentioned the plan to conclude the POGO segment of the investigation to focus on drugs and EJKs.
“We are thinking of already terminating yong hearing namin sa POGO, so tututok na lang tayo sa dalawang usapin no yong EJK at saka yong drugs,” the Mindanao lawmaker said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just a few days after hitting back at what certain sectors called the “narco vloggers,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Wednesday (4 December 2024) pounced on the alleged “narco trolls” reportedly employed by displaced and displeased POGO operators and drug lords to make deliberately offensive, provocative posts in various social media platforms in order to spread lies, cause conflict and manipulate or change public opinion.
Barbers, lead chair of the Lower House’s Quad Committee and chair of the Dangerous Drugs panel, emphasized that he and his panel members welcome any criticism related to the performance of their job at Quadcom, but not personally maligning, defaming or slandering their person and integrity with outright lies or baseless accusations.
“Wala tayong problema sa kritisismo, kasama yan sa trabaho ko at mga kasama ko bilang isang lingkod bayan. Pero hindi katanggap-tanggap ay yung paninirang puri na walang basehan at katotohanan,” he said.
“Pwede nyo (trolls and vloggers) kami i-criticize hanggang mag-sawa kayo basta tungkol ito sa aming trabaho, sa aming nagawa o sa aming mga kakulangan. Pero pag and inyong inisyu ay pag-yurak na sa pangalan at dangal ng isang tao, yan ay may pananagutan na ayon sa ating mga batas,” he added.
The lawmaker from Surigao del Norte said he hopes and prays that those pseudo-journalists, the self-proclaimed and self-righteous political analysts won’t experience what it is to be the subject of defamation and slander “so they would know how to be in that situation.”
In a privilege speech, Barbers said to state the obvious, dozens or hundreds of trolls, almost all of whom are adopting similar destructive and malicious propaganda lines, and probably paid by POGO and drug money, relentlessly attack personalities with total impunity.
“This has been happening for years without let up. They get away with it that is why they continue to thrive. It is a business that has become so profitable, without having to pay taxes, no liability, and with the pleasure of being able to ruin people’s reputation without having to worry about getting caught and punished,” he said.
Barbers said the government, the law enforcement sector, the public and the maligned concerned individuals should not let these professional benders of truth win.
“These particular group of trolls, hindi ko naman nilalahat dahil marami rin namang matitinong trolls, are getting paid “and we all know that.”
“The sheer number of trolls and the amount of false information that they flood the Internet with will give you an idea on the value or amount of money needed to pay them. Who is the innocent person who is bound to benefit from these trolling?. Obviously, the ones funding these malicious campaigns are the ones hurting most in our continuing Quadcom hearings,” he explained.
Barbers earlier requested the National Bureau of Investigation to identify, investigate and file charges against reportedly illegal drugs and POGO-funded vloggers for spreading lies, malicious and libelous vlogs they post in the social media.
In a letter dated Nov. 25, 2024, the solon wrote and told NBI chief Atty. Jaime B. Santiago that the deliberate disinformation drive by the seemingly organized vloggers not only damages the integrity of public service, but also foster an environment of confusion, distrust and deception of public perception.
In his speech, Barbers called to action the government agencies in charge of investigating cybercrimes to be more active and make their presence felt “so that our people may be protected by the civil servants who draw salaries from their taxes.”
“Do not be passive and wait for complaints to be filed before you act on the obvious transgressions of the law.” he said.
Once the identity of the subject trolls and vloggers and their respective vlogs have been established, Barbers said the concerned law enforcement agencies should pursue appropriate criminal charges against the responsible party in accordance with Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
“Subject to your office’s investigation, these charges may include the crimes of Libel (Art. 353 RPC), Sedition (Art. 139 RPC), Conspiracy to Commit Sedition (Art. 142 of RPC). Incriminating Innocent Person Act (Art. 363 RPC) and Intriguing Against Honor (Art. 364 RPC) – all in relation to Sec. 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act,” Barbers of said.
Despite these provisions, he said cybercrimes are being committed every single minute, unabated and seemingly unstoppable partly because there is lack of visible active prevention, intervention, suppression and prosecution of the perpetrators.
“With the powers given to the concerned agencies, cybercriminals are having a heyday in the Web and the public all seem to be helpless. I now rise to represent the aggrieved parties which include the President, government officials including myself, and ordinary citizens who have been victims of these cybercriminals,” Barbers said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — House Young Guns on Monday (2 December 2024) expressed their support for the proposal of Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers to task the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with probing vloggers and internet trolls allegedly spreading fake news against Quad Comm leaders and members.
1-RIDER Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez and House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, both members of the Young Guns of the House of Representatives, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of public discourse and addressing organized online disinformation campaigns.
Gutierrez highlighted the growing concern over these efforts and stressed the balance between freedom of speech and accountability.
“It seems to be a concerted effort talaga. While freedom of speech is protected under our Constitution, it has to be tempered with responsible practice and use,” Gutierrez said.
“Kasi when we’re talking about itong vloggers and social media, you have questions of jurisdiction, you have questions of cyberspace, the issue of anonymity. ‘Yun po ‘yung nakakatakot po dito,” he added.
He also pointed out the dangers these campaigns pose to public officials.
“We have congressmen and congresswomen who, whether or not it is related to their function, have been receiving threats. They have been receiving anonymous messages, either death threats or threats to their families. It should be something that no one should be subjected to,” Gutierrez noted.
“Free speech is one thing, but to rely on character assassination is a totally different issue,” he added.
Adiong echoed Gutierrez’s sentiments, emphasizing the role of facts in public discussions.
“I have no problem with people having different opinions and positions. Kasi that’s what democracy is all about,” Adiong said.
“But unfortunately in this kind of online landscape, we’ve seen troll farms, we’ve seen bloggers, hindi ko naman nila-lahat, who are up for grabs. Sometimes they are being used by political propaganda to malign, discredit a certain perceived enemy,” he added.
Adiong highlighted the risk of disinformation in undermining democracy.
“How can you have a populace with informed decisions kung ang binibigay mo sa kanila ay puro mali, fake and misinformation?” Adiong said. “The only way for us to have a healthy space for conversation is to basically agree on facts. Unfortunately, naging subjective ang facts ngayon dahil dun yung karamihan po sa mga trolls, mga troll farms, dinidistort nila ‘yung facts.”
Both lawmakers expressed their support for Barbers’ proposal to protect the public space.
“If it is proven talaga that these sophisticated schemes are being employed to really target congressmen and congresswomen, not for their personality but for that political purpose, then it must be something that should be acted on po talaga,” Gutierrez said.
Adiong added, “We can disagree, but at least disagree on facts. Para sa akin, ako personally, I would support the move of Congressman Chairman Barbers para maprotektahan natin ‘yung magandang espasyo sa pakikipagtalakayan sa publiko.”
Barbers earlier raised concerns about the impact of troll campaigns on House investigations, including those involving illegal drugs and offshore gaming operations, urging swift action from authorities to safeguard public discourse.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers did not mince words on Thursday (November 21, 2024) when he criticized China for being globally known for manufacturing counterfeit products—from food and drugs to various consumer goods—and flooding Asian markets, including those of its allied nations.
Barbers also pointed out China’s growing covert tactics to establish and maintain a permanent presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), using its Coast Guard and Navy personnel.
“Before and even now, China has been notorious for producing fake products that it sells in our markets. Now, they are deploying fake fishing boats—disguised as fishing vessels—manned by Chinese Coast Guard or Navy personnel, which are stationed in the WPS,” Barbers said.
“This report came to light after our Defense chief, Gibo Teodoro, revealed it following his recent visit to Palawan with his U.S. counterpart,” he added.
Barbers also speculated that China may have deployed military personnel disguised as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers to conduct surveillance and other military activities throughout the country.
“There is nothing new about China’s deceptive tactics,” Barbers continued, citing their self-drawn 9-dash and 11-dash territorial lines, which, according to the Hague-based United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), have “no basis in law and are without legal effect.”
He also criticized China’s refusal to respect international law and the territorial rights of the Philippines and other countries claiming parts of the WPS. China continues to intrude into the Philippines’ exclusive 200-mile economic zone, as defined by UNCLOS.
“The ruling by the Hague-based tribunal, under UNCLOS, declared that China’s claim of historic rights in the West Philippine Sea has no legal basis and is without effect,” Barbers added.
He emphasized that the 135-member UNCLOS has upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — House Quad Comm overall chair Robert Ace Barbers on Thursday (07 Nov 2024) hit back at Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for claiming that the mega-panel’s probe into extrajudicial killings (EJKs) from Duterte administration’s drug war was a “gag show,” suggesting the senator might be casting himself as the punchline.
“We may be accused of providing entertainment and likened to a gag show, but who is laughing?” Barbers said as the Quad Comm resumed its probe into more than 20,000 deaths tied to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s bloody anti-drug campaign.
“On the contrary, the one who said that must be so full of himself that he didn’t notice that the joke was on him,” Barbers added.
Dela Rosa, a key figure in Duterte’s drug war as the former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has repeatedly declined invitations to participate in the Quad Comm inquiry, even going so far as to dismiss it as a “gag show.”
In his opening statement during the Quad Comm’s tenth public hearing, Barbers insisted that the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the truth behind the thousands of deaths, not to provide entertainment.
The lawmaker from Surigao del Norte also dismissed allegations that witnesses have been coerced into testifying, including recent claims from Police Col. Hector Grijaldo, who alleged pressure from committee leaders to confirm the existence of a reward system in the drug war.
Barbers said the witnesses and resource persons have freely and voluntarily shared information, without any coercion from the joint panel, composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights and Public Accounts.
He firmly denied any attempts to manipulate testimonies, underscoring the integrity of the investigation process.
“Forced admissions, in any way, were never a part of Quad Comm,” Barbers, who also chairs the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said.
Barbers reiterated that the Quad Comm’s purpose is not to entertain but to seek justice for the families of EJK victims and survivors who have been “longing for the truth.”
He underscored the Quad Comm’s legislative responsibility, noting that the investigation’s findings are intended to inform new laws and policy recommendations.
“If along the way, people are found to be liable, it is our duty to make sure that justice is served. There is nothing funny about it. We only mean serious business,” he asserted.
Barbers assured that the committee remains resolute in its mission, describing the disturbing evidence encountered thus far.
“We owe it to the people,” he said, pledging that the committee would continue to pursue its duty to uncover the truth.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The House Quad Committee is pushing to pass two key bills on anti-extrajudicial killings and anti-offshore gaming operations within the 19th Congress.
Quad Committee lead Chair Robert Ace Barbers stated that they aim to pass House Bill 10986, the Anti-Extrajudicial Killings Act, and House Bill 10987, the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act.
The lawmaker expressed hope that these bills will be prioritized in the legislative agenda.
He added that they are prepared to collaborate with their counterparts in the Senate to expedite the passage of the measures.
“The QuadCom will work to make this a priority legislation, and we will also lobby with our Senate counterparts to prioritize these proposed laws,” Barbers said.
The authors of the Anti-EJK bill include Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, and Quad Committee Chairs Robert Ace Barbers, Dan Fernandez, Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., and Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano.
Other co-authors include Reps. Romeo Acop, Johnny Pimentel, Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, Rodge Gutierrez, Paolo Ortega V, Jay Khonghun, and Jonathan Keith Flores.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Exasperated by the brazen criminalities due to the absence of capital punishment, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Friday (27 September 2024) called for the revival of death penalty as a deterrent for heinous crimes, including drug trafficking and extra-judicial killings (EJKs).
Barbers, who currently serves as overall chairman of the House Quad Committee, made the call during his opening statement at the seventh public hearing of the joint panel tasked with investigating the links between illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), the proliferation of the illicit drug trade, land grabbing by certain Chinese nationals, and the EJKs associated with the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs.
“Naging urong-sulong po tayo sa usaping death penalty noong mga nakalipas na panahon. Tingnan n’yo ang nangyari. Sumama po lalo ang naging lagay ng ating kapayapaan at kaayusan. Hindi na takot ang mga kriminal. Lantaran ang ginawang pamamaslang na ngayon ay tinawag nating extrajuducial killings,” Barbers lamented.
He pointed out the necessity for a review of the revival of the death penalty for heinous crimes, alongside the passage of key legislative reforms aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates, holding corrupt officials accountable, and restoring peace and order in the country.
In the course of the House Quad Comm investigation, in aid of legislation, into drug-related EJKs under the Duterte administration, the panel has exposed law enforcement officers serving as “hired killers,” carrying out executions based solely on suspicions of drug involvement.
Barbers noted that these killings were driven by financial incentives, with officers receiving rewards for each death, as long as the victim was labeled a “drug personality.”
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Surigao del Norte Second District Representative Ace Barbers has expressed support for the revival of the death penalty for heinous crimes.
This statement follows a recent shooting incident at the Makati EDSA tunnel.
“Yes, that’s correct. You can see that crimes nowadays are truly heinous. In fact, many of those involved in kidnappings and killings are Chinese nationals,” Barbers said in a radio interview when asked if he supports the return of the death penalty.
The lawmaker mentioned that such punishment should be imposed for drug-related crimes.
“The troubling part is that they get involved in crimes like drugs because they face the death penalty in their own country, but not here,” said Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
“It’s disheartening that a series of crimes involving Chinese nationals are happening in our country.”
Barbers previously thanked the Philippine National Police (PNP) for arresting Raymund Yu, the Chinese suspect in the killing.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Once reputed as “untouchable,” Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers on Sunday (12 May 2024) announced that former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s economic adviser Michael Yang will be invited by the House of Representatives in connection with the P3.8 billion drug bust in Pampanga.
Barbers noted that in a series of hearings, Empire 999, the company that owns the warehouse where the drugs were ordered to be stored, was found to be owned by Chinese nationals who also owned other companies together with other personalities who have been previously linked to anomalous activities under the past administration.”
The Surigaonon lawmaker gathered that Lincoln Ong, a Pharmally official and an alleged associate of Yang, was found to be an incorporator of a company with links to other companies including Empire 999.
He added that based on findings from Public Accounts Chairman Joseph “Caraps” Paduano, Yang was allegedly linked to Ong.
To find out a connection, Public Order Chairman and Laguna congressman Dan Fernandez moved that Yang be invited to the next hearing of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs chaired by Barbers.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Alarmed by the entry of some Chinese nationals into the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) auxiliary force in the face of China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea, Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers on Sunday (24 March 2024) urged the PCG to stop recruiting Chinese nationals.
Barbers pointed out that logically, the PCG should not be recruiting other nationalities into its forces even if they serve as volunteers during times of disaster and help donate in relief operations.
“Magandang mayroong mga volunteers diyan sa PCG. Pero it doesn’t make sense na nagre-recruit tayo ng hindi natin kalahi para dito sa operation. Kaya ng ‘Philippine Coast Guard’ eh, hindi naman sinabing Philippine and Chinese Coast Guard ‘yan,” the Surigaonon lawmaker said in his interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
He said in a recent congressional hearing that the Chinese auxiliary members of the PCG may be performing “spying duties in the guise of being auxiliary force members.”
But PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo maintained that there was no strong basis on which to conclude that these Chinese nationals recruited into the auxiliary force were spies.
He claimed that the PCG had a vetting process when the Chinese applied.
Balilo said that the Chinese have been helping the Coast Guard for a long time but for humanitarian assistance and donations only.
Pending the formal investigation into the matter, Barbers stressed that the PCG should stop the recruitment process first for other nationals who want to serve in the auxiliary force.
“Ako’y nananawagan sa officers ng ating PCG na medyo makonsensya tayo ng konti at itigil natin muna ang paggamit o pag-recruit nitong mga Chinese nationals. Number two, habang patuloy ang imbestigasyon dito, dapat i-terminate muna ang mga ‘yan. Wag munang paalisin dahil papatawag natin ‘yan sa Kongreso ‘pag nag-umpisa tayo ng hearing,” Barbers said.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the Chinese nationals in the PCG auxiliary force could be the proverbial Trojan Horse.
According to Wikipedia, the term “Trojan horse” is used metaphorically to mean any trick or strategy that causes a target to invite a foe into a securely protected place; or to deceive by appearance, hiding malevolent intent in an outwardly benign exterior; to subvert from within using deceptive means.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Dang Samson Garcia
SURIGAO Del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers filed a resolution directing the House Committee on Public Accounts to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the alleged misuse of funds and mismanagement of the Surigao del Norte State University.
House Resolution 1319 also seeks a review of all the contracts and appointments signed by University President Gregorio Gamboa Jr.
The resolution was based on complaints of faculty members and students, which reached Barber’s office, that Gamboa disregarded shared governance policies and practices of the school.
The resolution indicated that the Commission on Audit report for 2022 showed that there were irregularities in the school’s financial transactions.
Barbers said that SNSU is the first and only state university in the province, thus, allegations of irregularities must be investigated.
By Liezelle Soriano
HOUSE Committee on Dangerous Drugs chairperson Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said on Monday that the amount of illegal drugs seized under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already reached P30 billion.
During the resumption of the investigation into the P6.7 billion drug seizure in Manila in October 2022, Barbers said that the P30 billion in illegal substances consisted of 4.4 tons of shabu and nearly three tons of dried marijuana leaves.
“Within the last five weeks, authorities were able to nab 1.3 tons of illegal drugs. And for the last one and a half years of the (Marcos) administration, the street value of these nabbed illegal drugs are already worth at least P30 billion,” Barbers said.
“This amount can most definitely finance the elections and victory of drug lords in our political arena. Such war chest is even enough to fund a presidential campaign,” he added.
The lawmaker added that the country has law enforcement personnel who do their jobs with integrity, “even if there are bad apples within their ranks,” adding these bad apples should not win.
Barbers added: “We will thresh out the whys and hows our country continues to be the favorite destination of illegal drugs and who are the big personalities or even bigger entities behind these shipments to flood us with these contrabands with fictitious and non-existent consignees.”
(ai/mnm)