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)

RPPe Speaker Romualdez: PH committed to peace, but ready to defend sovereignty

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez issued a strong warning on Sunday, affirming that the Philippines is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty in the face of escalating Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even as the nation remains dedicated to peaceful dialogue.

“The Philippines remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution, but we also stand ready to safeguard our sovereignty. We call for respect, and we are determined to meet any challenges that may arise,” Speaker Romualdez declared. “For the Philippines, for our future, and for our sovereignty, we will stand firm.”

The Speaker’s statement was in direct response to the latest incident involving the China Coast Guard, which rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippines’ largest and most advanced patrol vessels. 

The collision, which occurred at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal—well within the Philippines' 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone—the fifth incident for the month of August, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime dispute.

Condemning the actions of the China Coast Guard, Speaker Romualdez said that this incident is part of a broader pattern of aggression. 

“With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve, I strongly condemn the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of our largest and most modern patrol vessels, is a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity,” he said.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives delivered a clear and firm message to China, insisting that the Philippines demands respect for its sovereignty. 

“To the government of the People’s Republic of China, I wish to convey our deep dismay at these developments. The Filipino people are committed to peace, yet we expect our sovereignty to be respected,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He further stressed that while the Philippines continues to hope for constructive dialogue, the country’s patience is wearing thin.

“We continue to hope for constructive dialogue, but it is clear that our patience is being tested. We have an obligation, under our Constitution and as a member of the international community, to defend our territory,” he pointed out.

In light of the escalating situation, Speaker Romualdez called for “stronger measures” to protect the country’s maritime claims, including bolstering military and coast guard presence in the WPS and strengthening alliances with international partners. 

“It is time for us to consider stronger measures. We should enhance our presence in the [WPS], reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights,” he asserted.

The House chief also appealed to the international community to hold China accountable for its actions, urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to escalate the issue to the highest levels of global diplomacy. 

“I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring this matter to the attention of the highest levels of international diplomacy. The global community, including the United Nations, should be made aware of these concerning actions,” he said.

Lastly, Speaker Romualdez called on all Filipinos to unite in support of the government's efforts to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity. 

“To my fellow Filipinos, I ask for your continued support and unity during these challenging times. Let us stand together in defense of our nation, sending a clear message that while we seek peace, we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours,” he stressed. (END)

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Campos P300M set for new Pag-asa Island Sheltered Port Project in West Philippine Sea

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to spend P300 million to build a new sheltered port on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., vice chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, said on Sunday.

“The P300 million for the Pag-asa Island Sheltered Port Project is itemized in the DOTr’s Maritime Infrastructure Program in the 2025 national budget,” Campos said in a statement.

With a land area of 37.2 hectares, Pag-asa lies 518 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan province. It is the largest landmass in the Kalayaan Island Group.

“The P300 million will bring to P2.6 billion the cumulative funding for new infrastructure projects in the Kalayaan Island Group,” Campos, the husband of Makati Mayor Abby Binay, said.

In October last year, House Speaker Martin Romualdez visited Pag-asa and vowed to develop the entire Kalayaan Island Group, which he said has the potential to become a tourist haven like the Maldives Islands in the Indian Ocean.

“Following the Speaker’s visit, Congress has since earmarked P1.5 billion to further extend Pag-asa’s 1.3-kilometer runway to accommodate bigger aircraft, plus P800 million for a sheltered port on smaller Lawak Island, both in the 2024 General Appropriations Law,” Campos said.

The Kalayaan Island Group has an aggregate land area of 83.89 hectares spread over seven islands.

Besides Pag-asa and Lawak (7.93 hectares), the other Kalayaan islands are Likas (18.6 hectares), Parola (12.7 hectares), Kota (6.45 hectares), Patag (0.57 hectares), and Panata (0.44 hectares).

Kalayaan also includes Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), Balagtas Reef (Irving Reef), and Rizal Reef (Commodore Reef).

Two Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessels were recently damaged when they encountered China Coast Guard (CCG) boats whose highly aggressive maneuvers “resulted in collisions” near Escoda Shoal, which is 67 kilometers from Ayungin.

The BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Bagacay were on their way to resupply Philippine military outposts on Lawak and Patag when the incident happened.

President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. created the Municipality of Kalayaan over the Kalayaan Island Group through Presidential Decree No. 1596 issued on June 11, 1978.

A fifth-class municipality under Palawan, Kalayaan is the least populated town in the Philippines, with only 193 residents who all live on Pag-asa, according to the 2020 census.

The Kalayaan municipal government is based in Pag-asa.

The Philippines has been fast-tracking infrastructure projects in the Kalayaan Island Group to encourage civilian settlements there, amid China’s artificial island-building in the larger Spratly Archipelago.

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With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve, I strongly condemn the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of our largest and most modern patrol vessels, is a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity.

This event, the fifth of its kind this month alone, represents a significant escalation in tensions over the Escoda (Sabina) Shoal—an area clearly within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The actions of the China Coast Guard, culminating in this unfortunate incident, are cause for serious reflection. The Philippines has consistently advocated for peaceful and diplomatic resolutions to disputes, but we must now reassess how we protect our rights and interests in our waters.

To the government of the People’s Republic of China, I wish to convey our deep dismay at these developments. The Filipino people are committed to peace, yet we expect our sovereignty to be respected. We continue to hope for constructive dialogue, but it is clear that our patience is being tested. Under our Constitution and as a member of the international community, we have an obligation to defend our territory.

It is time for us to consider stronger measures. We should enhance our presence in the West Philippine Sea, reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights.

I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring this matter to the attention of the highest levels of international diplomacy. The global community, including the United Nations, should be made aware of these concerning actions.

I ask my fellow Filipinos for your continued support and unity during these challenging times. Let us stand together to defend our nation, sending a clear message that we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours while we seek peace.

The Philippines remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution, but we also stand ready to safeguard our sovereignty. We call for respect, and we are determined to meet any challenges that may arise.

We will stand firm for the Philippines, our future, and our sovereignty. (END)

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RPPe Speaker Romualdez: PH committed to peace, but ready to defend sovereignty

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez issued a strong warning on Sunday, affirming that the Philippines is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty in the face of escalating Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even as the nation remains dedicated to peaceful dialogue.

“The Philippines remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution, but we also stand ready to safeguard our sovereignty. We call for respect, and we are determined to meet any challenges that may arise,” Speaker Romualdez declared. “For the Philippines, for our future, and for our sovereignty, we will stand firm.”

The Speaker’s statement was in direct response to the latest incident involving the China Coast Guard, which rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippines’ largest and most advanced patrol vessels. 

The collision, which occurred at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal—well within the Philippines' 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone—marks the fifth such incident this month, signaling a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime dispute.

Condemning the actions of the China Coast Guard, Speaker Romualdez said that this incident is part of a broader pattern of aggression. 

“With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve, I strongly condemn the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of our largest and most modern patrol vessels, is a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity,” he said.

The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives delivered a clear and firm message to China, insisting that the Philippines demands respect for its sovereignty. 

“To the government of the People’s Republic of China, I wish to convey our deep dismay at these developments. The Filipino people are committed to peace, yet we expect our sovereignty to be respected,” Speaker Romualdez said.

He further stressed that while the Philippines continues to hope for constructive dialogue, the country’s patience is wearing thin.

“We continue to hope for constructive dialogue, but it is clear that our patience is being tested. We have an obligation, under our Constitution and as a member of the international community, to defend our territory,” he pointed out.

In light of the escalating situation, Speaker Romualdez called for “stronger measures” to protect the country’s maritime claims, including bolstering military and coast guard presence in the WPS and strengthening alliances with international partners. 

“It is time for us to consider stronger measures. We should enhance our presence in the [WPS], reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights,” he asserted.

The House chief also appealed to the international community to hold China accountable for its actions, urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to escalate the issue to the highest levels of global diplomacy. 

“I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring this matter to the attention of the highest levels of international diplomacy. The global community, including the United Nations, should be made aware of these concerning actions,” he said.

Lastly, Speaker Romualdez called on all Filipinos to unite in support of the government's efforts to safeguard the nation's territorial integrity. 

“To my fellow Filipinos, I ask for your continued support and unity during these challenging times. Let us stand together in defense of our nation, sending a clear message that while we seek peace, we are prepared to protect what is rightfully ours,” he stressed. (END)