RPPe House Quad Committee junks motion to quash subpoena for documents linking Roque to POGOs

THE House Quad Committee on Wednesday rejected a motion by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to quash a subpoena requiring him to submit various documents, including business records, tax returns, and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).

Roque had initially promised to provide the joint panel with copies of the documents, which are considered crucial to the investigation into his alleged ties to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). 

However, he later filed a motion to quash the subpoena, arguing that the documents were irrelevant to the legislative investigation, violated his and his family's right to privacy, and infringed on his right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination.

Roque also failed to attend the last two hearings of the Quad Committee, prompting the panel to issue a show-cause order against him.

On the motion of Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., chair of the Committee on Human Rights, the Quad Committee ordered Roque to explain his absence during the hearings on August 28 and September 4, and compelled him to attend the next session.

Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro moved to deny Roque’s motion to quash, which was immediately approved by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, designed overall chair of the Quad Committee and head of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.

Luistro underscored the relevance of the requested documents, citing “overwhelming circumstantial evidence” of Roque’s connection to Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga. 

She noted Roque’s denial of ties to POGOs and underscored the discrepancy between his limited income as a government official and the sudden surge in his assets, including his shares in Biancham Holdings, a family-owned company.

Luistro argued that if Roque is unable to explain the sources of his wealth, it could strengthen the evidence of his involvement in POGO operations. 

She added that the investigation could lead to legislative changes, potentially revisiting laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, Anti-Money Laundering Act, Corporation Law, and even the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for Lawyers.

The committee has requested several documents from Roque, including the deed of sale for land in Multinational Village, Parañaque; documents on the transfer of Biancham shareholdings; the extra-judicial settlement of his aunt’s estate; SALNs from 2016 to 2022; and his 2018 income tax return.

During a previous hearing, Luistro questioned Roque’s business activities and financial records, pointing to significant inconsistencies between his declared assets and those of Biancham Holdings.

Roque’s assets reportedly surged during the POGO boom under the Duterte administration, which raised further suspicions.

Roque attributed the increase in assets to proceeds from the sale of a family property in Parañaque, but lawmakers expressed skepticism. 

He also denied being the lawyer for Lucky South 99, stating his client was Whirlwind, a POGO service provider. However, documents presented to the committee suggested he had dealings with both companies.

Roque has faced further scrutiny after a raid on his Benguet property led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals linked to an illegal POGO operation. He has admitted having an interest in Biancham subsidiary PH2, which owns the raided property.

In a separate instance, PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco revealed that Roque had lobbied on behalf of Lucky South 99 regarding unpaid arrears, casting doubt on Roque’s claims of non-involvement in POGOs. (END)

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RPPe House Quad Committee uncovers Whirlwind exec Duanren Wu’s past as ex-Chinese police officer

THE House Quad Committee investigating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) has uncovered that Duanren Wu, the top executive at Whirlwind Corporation, is a former Chinese police officer. 

This information surfaced during testimony from Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, a key witness in the probe being conducted by the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts.

Ong, who is Wu’s goddaughter, confirmed that her boss previously worked for the Chinese government before venturing into business. 

“Ang alam ko lang po is nagtatrabaho siya sa government agency noon, tapos nag-resign na po after,” Ong said in response to questioning by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.

“Simpleng police lang po siya, pero again, nag-resign na rin po siya,” she added.

Ong also admitted to knowing Mr. Cheng, owner of Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, that was raided by authorities in June. 

“Basta ang alam ko po ang may-ari ng Lucky South, si Mr. Cheng. I’m gonna give you his full details once na ma-call ko po ‘yung mga tao,” she said.

Barbers raised concerns about possible illegal activities involving Ong’s business partners. 

“Hindi kaya galing sa drugs ang negosyo no’ng mga partner mo, ‘yong mga kasyosyo mo?” Barbers asked. 

Ong firmly denied the allegation, replying, “Sigurado po ako, hindi po.”

Barbers also questioned potential money laundering activities, asking, “Hindi kaya ito ay nilo-launder lang, money laundering dito sa Pilipinas, ‘yong perang galing sa mga illegal na source?” 

Ong once again denied any involvement, stating, “If you’re gonna ask me po, hindi po.”

Barbers later revealed that Wu, described by Ong as close to her when he visits the Philippines, has a negative record as a former police officer in China. 

“Alam mo ba na may mga record siya, sa pagiging pulis… maraming negative na record siya doon sa China,” Barbers told Ong, who responded that she was unaware of such information.

Ong remains under House custody as the investigation continues. (END)

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RPPE Solons intrigued by Dela Serna's joint bank account with Roque 

Alberto Rodulfo "AR" dela Serna once shared a fat, joint bank account with former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. 

This was learned during Wednesday's quad-committee hearing, during which Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop asked probing questions about the peculiar financial setup between Dela Serna and Roque. 

According to Dela Serna, the biggest one-time deposit to the joint bank account was P3 million. However, he clarified to the solons that the account is now closed. 

"Magkano naman ang kino-contribute mo, o kinontribute mo initially doon sa joint account ninyo? Acop asked Dela Serna, to which the latter said "Wala po akong kino-contribute po doon." 

However, despite not contributing anything to the account, Dela Serna received the go-ahead from Roque to withdraw from it. 

"Ganun? Nalalaman ko lang ‘yan nang nangyayari ‘yan sa mag-asawa, mag-ina, o mag-ama eh. Di po ba? Di ba joint account? Ano sa tingin mo, hijo?" Acop asked. 

"Hindi ko naman po pinapakialaman yung pera po ni Atty. Roque," Dela Serna replied. 

Another lawmaker, Nueva Ecija 1st district Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, was similarly intrigued and asked Dela Serna: "Bakit kayo pumapayag sa mga request ni Atty. Harry Roque?" 

"Siguro naman po...hindi po ako ipapahamak ni Atty. Roque po," the aviation student told Suansing. 

When Acop insisted on knowing why Dela Serna would agree to a joint bank account with Roque, he said he was simply following "Sir Harry's" orders. 

"Inutusan lang po ako, Mr. chair, sumunod lang naman po ako." 

"Pag sasabihin ba niyang lumundag ka sa bangin, lulundag ka?" countered Acop. "Hindi naman po siguro Mr. chair," Dela Serna said. 

Dela Serna also said he and Roque went on at least six trips together in 2023. At that time, Roque was apparently no longer employing Dela Serna. 

In prior years, he said he worked as the lawyer's "alalay" or helper. He said his  "basic pay" was P20,000. 

"Parang alalay po ako, Mr. chair, all-around alalay po ako. Kung ano po ‘yung i-utos ni Sir Harry, gagawin ko rin po," Dela Serna said. (END)Wwwwwwwww

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RPPe Ex-warden recants statement, confirms phone convo with ex-PCSO chief Garma on the killings of 3 suspected Chinese drug lords that implicated former President Duterte

THE former warden of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF), who earlier denied involvement in the killings of three suspected Chinese drug lords, has executed an affidavit saying that former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma was allegedly involved in the murders that implicated former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Supt. Gerardo Padilla, ordered detained for 30 days by the Quad Committee for contempt, has now recanted his earlier statement denying involvement in the 2016 murders of Chu Kin Tung, alias Tony Lim; Li Lan Yan, alias Jackson Li; and Wong Meng Pin, alias Wang Ming Ping.

“During the Public Hearing of the House Quadcom held on Aug. 28, 2024, when asked if I had the conversation with then CIDG Garma, I denied it because I was under threat and I am concerned with my safety and that of my family who lives in Davao City,” Padilla recalled in his signed two-page affidavit that he submitted to the Quad Comm.

“In fact and in truth, I had a conversation of CIDG Chief Garma as mentioned above but I did not divulge at the time for security reasons,” he added.

Two persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) involved in the killings, Leopoldo Tan Jr. and Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro, earlier told the Quad Committee they killed the three Chinese nationals allegedly upon instruction of the former President.

”I am executing this affidavit to attest to the truth of the foregoing and to correct the testimony I gave during the Quadcom Public Hearing,” Padilla said. 

Padilla said sometime between 2015 and 2016 when he was acting superintendent of the DPPF, Garma called him up through the cellphone of an inmate, Jimmy Fortaleza, and told him not to interfere in a job that was going to happen in DPPF.

Garma is also a former official of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Davao.

“Prior to such killings, I have been subjected to an intense pressure by then CIDG Officer Royina Garma who called me up through the cellphone of another inmate Jimmy Fortaleza,” Padilla said. 

“Chief Garma told me ‘may mga tao kami dyan na gagawa at huwag mo na kwestiyonin, and whether you like it or not we will operate and do not interfere, baka madamay pa pamilya mo.’ She added that ‘mag cooperate ka na lang or mananagot ka sa amin,’” he continued.

“To my mind, the call from then CIDG Officer Garma was intense pressure and threat to me because I knew for a fact of the operation made against a certain drug lord in Leyte days before she called me,” he said. 

Padilla said that he feared for his safety, so he did not interfere with the killings of the three suspected Chinese drug lords.

“Because of the call of CIDG Garma, I became wary of my safety and I began to observe the personnel of DPPF who among them were the people referred to by CIDG Garma,” he said.

“Although I have not personally met CIDG Garma, I knew the one I talked with was Garma because inmate Jimmy Fortaleza told me Garma wants to talk to me and thereafter handed over to me his cellular phone,” he added.

Padilla also tagged another prison official in the murders, who said made “his own moves” in DPPF.

“Among the personnel I have strong inkling to consider as people referred to by Ms. Garma was then Deputy Superintendent for Security Operation Robert Quinto and inmate Jimmy Fortaleza,” he stated.

“Since the time of the call of CIDG chief Garma, I have since desisted from interfering with the security operations of the DPPF and allowed Deputy Quinto to make his own moves,” he added.

“On the day of the killings, I was already in my quarters and no longer on duty. When was informed of the incident, I immediately went to the crime scene and ordered medical team to bring the PDL to Davao Medical Center,” according to Padilla.

Padilla was earlier cited for contempt last August 28 by the Quad Comm for not telling the truth during the joint probe of four committees of the House of Representatives on POGOs, illegal drug syndicates, EJKs, and many other issues.

Witnesses in the Quad Comm probe alleged that Garma was involved in the planning and overseeing of the killings inside the DPPF. She is being invited to the probe but so far, she failed to appear before the Quad Comm.

“These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of abuse that we believe Garma had a direct hand in. The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated,” said Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, a co-chairperson of the Quad Comm, earlier said. (END)

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RPPe Warden links FPRRD to jail murders

THE former warden of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) on Wednesday recanted his previous statements and suggested that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte may have orchestrated the killings of three Chinese drug lords in 2016. 

Supt. Gerardo Padilla, testifying before the House Quad Committee, confirmed a conversation with then-CIDG officer Royina Garma regarding the murders, implying that Garma was acting under orders from a higher authority—hinting at the involvement of Duterte.

During the hearing, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. questioned Padilla about whether the pressure came solely from Garma or someone higher. Padilla acknowledged there was a "bigger person" behind Garma’s orders, and though he hesitated to directly implicate Duterte, he agreed that Garma was acting under the control of a more powerful figure.

“Hindi ko naman ini-implicate pero hawak po sila ng mas mataas,” Padilla said. Abante further clarified if the "higher person" was Duterte, to which Padilla replied, “Yes, your honor.”

Later the Quad Comm held an executive session. 

In his testimony, Padilla also recanted earlier denials, implicating Garma in the killings of Chu Kin Tung, Li Lan Yan, and Wong Meng Pin, aligning his new affidavit with earlier witness testimonies that connected Duterte to the events.

Abante concluded by clarifying that Padilla believed Garma was following orders from someone more powerful, likely Duterte.

“Ibig sabihin, hawak po si Chief Garma ng mas mataas. At ang mas mataas diyan ay ang dating Pangulo. Tama ho ba ako?” Abante asked. Padilla replied, “Yes, your honor.”

Padilla, currently detained for 30 days by the House Quad Committee for contempt, retracted his earlier denial of involvement in the killings of Chu Kin Tung, also known as Tony Lim; Li Lan Yan, also known as Jackson Li; and Wong Meng Pin, also known as Wang Ming Ping.

Self-confessed hitmen Leopoldo “Tata” Tan Jr. and Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro had earlier testified before the Quad Committee, admitting they killed the three Chinese nationals on the alleged orders of former President Duterte.

In his testimony, Tan claimed that after the killings, he overheard Padilla receiving a congratulatory phone call, allegedly from Duterte, praising him for a job well done.

Padilla denied this during the August 28 Quad Committee hearing, but in his latest affidavit, he directly implicated Garma in the murders.

“During the Public Hearing of the House Quadcom held on Aug. 28, 2024, when asked if I had the conversation with then CIDG Garma, I denied it because I was under threat and I am concerned with my safety and that of my family who lives in Davao City,” Padilla stated in his newly signed two-page affidavit.

“In fact and in truth, I had a conversation of CIDG Chief Garma as mentioned above but I did not divulge at the time for security reasons,” he added in his affidavit dated Sept. 2, 2024.

Padilla recalled that sometime between 2015 and 2016, when he was acting superintendent of the DPPF, Garma called him using the cellphone of an inmate, Jimmy Fortaleza, and instructed him not to interfere with an operation about to take place inside the facility.

“Prior to such killings, I have been subjected to an intense pressure by then CIDG Officer Royina Garma who called me up through the cellphone of another inmate Jimmy Fortaleza,” Padilla said. 

“Chief Garma told me ‘may mga tao kami dyan na gagawa at huwag mo na kwestiyonin, and whether you like it or not we will operate and do not interfere, baka madamay pa pamilya mo.’ She added that ‘mag cooperate ka na lang or mananagot ka sa amin,’” he continued.

Padilla said that Garma’s call left him feeling threatened, as he was aware of a similar operation carried out against a drug lord in Leyte days earlier. 

Fearing for his safety, Padilla said he decided not to interfere with the killings of the three suspected Chinese drug lords.

“Because of the call of CIDG Garma, I became wary of my safety and I began to observe the personnel of DPPF who among them were the people referred to by CIDG Garma,” he said.

“Although I have not personally met CIDG Garma, I knew the one I talked with was Garma because inmate Jimmy Fortaleza told me Garma wants to talk to me and thereafter handed over to me his cellular phone,” he added.

Earlier in the hearing, several lawmakers voiced concerns that Padilla might not be telling the truth.

“I believe that [Padilla] is holding more information vital to this hearing,” said Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel. 

Padilla denied any involvement in planning the killings of the Chinese nationals, but Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop remained unsatisfied with his explanation.

“Kasama ka sa plano dahil kung hindi mo alam o ayaw mo sa plano, hindi mangyayari ito,” Acop said.

Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun remarked that as the head of the DPPF, Padilla could "delegate his authority, but not his responsibility," stressing that ultimate accountability for any actions within the facility still rested on his shoulders, regardless of who carried out the tasks.

The Quad Committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, later approved a motion by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, chair of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, to hold an executive session. 

The move aimed to provide Padilla a secure environment to disclose information he described as “very sensitive.”

Padilla further explained that he had withheld certain details earlier because the information he possessed could endanger both his safety and that of his family.

In his new affidavit, Padilla also tagged another prison official in the murders, whom he said made “his own moves” in DPPF.

“Among the personnel I have strong inkling to consider as people referred to by Ms. Garma was then Deputy Superintendent for Security Operation Robert Quinto and inmate Jimmy Fortaleza,” he stated.

“Since the time of the call of CIDG chief Garma, I have since desisted from interfering with the security operations of the DPPF and allowed Deputy Quinto to make his own moves,” he added.

“On the day of the killings, I was already in my quarters and no longer on duty. When was informed of the incident, I immediately went to the crime scene and ordered medical team to bring the PDL to Davao Medical Center,” Padilla said.

Last August 28, the Quad Committee cited Padilla in contempt for not telling the truth during the joint investigation into links between Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, illegal drug syndicates, extrajudicial killings, and other related issues.

Witnesses in the Quad Committee probe have alleged that Garma was involved in planning and overseeing the killings inside DPPF. She has been invited to testify but has yet to appear before the joint panel. (END)

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RPPe Chairman Abante: evidence points to EJK 'quota system' funded by POGO, gambling money

AWASH with funds allegedly from the operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo’s), gambling activities, and illegal drugs, it was possible for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to institute a "quota system" that rewarded police for "eliminating" suspects in the previous administration's war on drugs––a policy that may have led to the death of as many as 30,000 Filipinos.

This, according to House Committee on Human Rights chairman and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., is one of the inescapable conclusions given the evidence and testimonies that have been heard in the ongoing inquiry led by the House Quad Comm.

“In just three hearings, the Quad Comm inquiry has exposed an intricate and expansive network of smuggling and trafficking in dangerous drugs, illegal Philippine offshore gambling operators or POGOs and illegal gambling activities like jueteng that flourished during the Duterte presidency,” said Abante, one of the co-chairs of the Quad Comm.

"These POGO and gambling activities are evils by themselves, but what is disturbing is that the funds from these illegal enterprises were channeled to fund incentives intended to reward law enforcement for eliminating their targets––even if this resulted in the wanton and widespread violation of human rights.”

At the most recent Quad Comm hearing, witness Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido told Quad Comm that the Duterte administration and the PNP, under then chief and now Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, had allegedly set a daily quota for policemen to “eliminate” or “neutralize” 50 to 200 targets in the war on drugs.

When asked by panel members what the term "neutralize" meant, Espenido said this was understood by police to mean the “killing” of suspects.

According to Espenido, the reward system gave implementers P20,000 for each “kill.” The incentive scheme was funded by money from illegal drugs, POGOs, jueteng, and other illegal gambling activities, as well as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO) small-town lottery projects.

Espenido alleged that funds were funneled through the former president's chief aide and now Sen. Bong Go.

He added that though some drug lords were “eliminated,” most of the victims were low-level drug pushers and users, who, if Espenidro had his way, should have been given a “second chance.”

Two other witnesses, confessed killers Leopoldo Tan Jr. and Andy Magdadaro, testified that they executed Chinese drug lords inside the Davao prison in 2016 on the alleged orders of the then-president, which were relayed to them by senior police officers close to Duterte.

They said the prison warden, Supt. Gerado Padilla, even bragged that he received a phone call from Duterte supposedly congratulating him for “a job well done” after they stabbed to death the three Chinese.

Abante reiterated his call for the key personalities in the war on drugs––Dela Rosa, Go, and former President Rodrigo Duterte––to attend the Quad Comm hearings in order to air their side on the issues that have so far been unearthed by the inquiry.  

The legislator pointed out that "the Quad Comm has given every opportunity for them to address the testimony given by our resource persons, and I believe they owe it to the Filipino people to explain the conduct of the war on drugs from their perspective." (END)

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RPPe QUAD COMMITTEE TO GARMA: ATTEND NEXT HEARING OR FACE ARREST

The House of Representatives Quad Committee has issued a stern warning to former PCSO General Manager Royina Garma, a retired police lieutenant colonel to attend the next scheduled hearing or face arrest. 

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, lead chairman of the Quad Committee, noted that they had issued a subpoena to Garma, requiring her to appear before the committee in its ongoing investigation into the cases of extrajudicial killings, illegal drug proliferation, and other related crimes.

Barbers said the Quad Committee, composed of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, the Committee on Public Order and Safety, the Committee on Human Rights, and the Committee on Public Accounts, has uncovered significant evidence suggesting that Garma may have played a critical role in orchestrating unlawful operations during her tenure with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Davao.

Testimonies presented to the committee have implicated Garma in the extrajudicial killings of three Chinese nationals — Chu Kin Tung, Jackson Li and Wong — who were serving sentences for drug-related offenses at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. 

Witnesses alleged that Garma, leveraging her position in the CIDG, was instrumental in planning and overseeing these targeted killings, which were carried out under the pretense of the government’s anti-drug campaign.

“These are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of abuse that we believe Garma had a direct hand in. The gravity of these allegations cannot be overstated,” Barbers said.

“We need her testimony to understand fully how these operations were conducted and to hold accountable all those involved,” he added.

The committee has stressed the importance of Garma’s appearance at the next hearing, scheduled on Tuesday (Sept. 3). Her testimony is seen as vital to clarifying the extent of her involvement and uncovering the whole truth behind these operations. The committee’s subpoena compels Garma to testify, and failure to comply will result in immediate legal consequences.

“If Lieutenant Colonel Garma refuses to attend, we will have no choice but to issue a warrant for her arrest. This is a matter of national importance, and we will not tolerate any obstruction to this investigation,” Barbers stated. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, and that means everyone involved must be held to account.”

The Quad Committee has clarified that non-compliance with the subpoena will be met with swift action. If Garma fails to appear, the committee will cite her in contempt, a charge that could lead to her detention until she agrees to cooperate. Additionally, the committee is prepared to seek a court order to enforce the subpoena, ensuring that the investigation proceeds without further delay.

“Refusing to testify would be a serious act of defiance against the rule of law and could be seen as an attempt to hide the truth,” Barbers added. “We have the authority and the resolve to compel her testimony, and we are prepared to use all legal means necessary to ensure her compliance.” (END)

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RPPe TWO Quad Comm chairmen on Sunday said it is time for former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) and Senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa to attend the joint panel’s probe on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illegal drug syndicates and extrajudicial killings as witnesses have given explosive testimonies implicating them in the issues being investigated.

“It has come to public attention that serious allegations have been made against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sens. Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa in the Quad Comm probe, and given the gravity of these accusations, we hope they attend the hearings to address these claims directly,” said Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety. 

In the Aug. 22 hearing of the Quad Comm, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) Leopoldo Tan Jr. and Fernando “Andy” Magdadaro both testified that Duterte was allegedly involved in the killings of three Chinese drug lords detained at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Davao del Norte in 2016.

In the last hearing of the Quad Comm, active police Col. Jovie Espenido alleged that a reward system was in place for killings during the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war, which was funded in part by illegal activities, including contributions from POGO operations, implicating Go and Dela Rosa. 

Fernandez said it is important to emphasize that the Quad Committee’s investigations have uncovered testimonies that paint a damning picture of the war on drugs during the Duterte administration. 

“Espenido, a key figure in the drug war, has implicated Sen. Bong Go in this scheme, claiming that funds were funnelled downwards from his level. Similarly, Sen. Bato, who led the Philippine National Police during the early years of the drug war, has been accused of instructing police officers to neutralize drug suspects, which has been interpreted as an order to kill. May naging issue rin si Col. Espenido na may prinotektahan si Sen. Bato na kailangang maliwanagan,” Fernandez said.

“Given these severe allegations, we hope former President Duterte, Go, and Dela Rosa will appear before the Quad Committee. Their attendance would provide them a crucial platform to defend themselves and clarify their roles in the previous administration's anti-drug policies,” Fernandez added.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, said Duterte, Go and Dela Rosa should take the opportunity to speak because it is essential not only for their own reputations but also for the Filipino people “who deserve the truth about the alleged involvement of top officials in illicit activities.”

“The testimonies heard so far have led to disturbing revelations, suggesting that the Philippines may have operated as a ‘narco-state’ during Duterte's presidency, with high-ranking officials involved in the drug trade,” said Abante,  Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante said.

“These claims, if left unchallenged, could undermine public confidence in the integrity of the country's leadership and its institutions. Therefore, allowing Duterte, Go, and Dela Rosa to address these accusations is critical in maintaining transparency and accountability in governance,” he added. (END)