Retired police colonel Royina Garma was unable to attend a House of Representatives hearing on Thursday due to neck and ear pain, according to an excuse letter submitted on her behalf. The House Committee on Public Accounts, led by Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano, acknowledged receiving Garma’s medical request.
Representative Romeo Acop suggested that Garma be referred to a government hospital, in line with standard protocols for House committee hearings. Following this, Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers directed the House medical team to coordinate Garma’s transfer to a government hospital for further evaluation.
The House “Quadcom,” comprising several committees, has been investigating issues related to extrajudicial killings, illegal drugs, and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Garma, who was previously cited in contempt for evading questions, denies allegations that she ordered the non-interference in operations against Chinese inmates convicted of drug offenses.
—RSJ, GMA Integrated News