The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) cited former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Wilkins Villanueva in contempt for allegedly refusing to cooperate during a hearing into the anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration.
The decision followed a heated exchange, with Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano accusing Villanueva of withholding information about the warrantless arrest of Jed Sy, wife of drug personality Allan Sy, nearly two decades ago.
“You are lying! You are not respecting this committee!” Paduano exclaimed during the inquiry, prompting Villanueva to firmly respond, “I am not lying, your honor.”
Records Contradict Villanueva’s Claims
Antipolo Representative Romeo Acop, citing PDEA records, revealed that Jed Sy had been detained twice in January 2005.
“She was taken in by PDEA twice… after that [January 4, 2005], hindi na siya nakalabas. That is the truth, and it is on the record,” Acop emphasized.
Acop also reminded Villanueva of his responsibility as PDEA’s ground commander during joint anti-drug operations, asserting, “You should accept responsibility… Hinuhulog mo na iyong mga tao mo (You are throwing your men under the bus).”
Villanueva Denies Arrest Role
Villanueva maintained he had no direct involvement in Sy’s arrest, stating:
“I do not recall talking to her. She was at the PDEA office following a December 2004 raid in Dumoy, Davao City.”
Despite Villanueva’s denial, Paduano expressed doubt, leading to the motion for contempt.
Contempt Order Deferred
Acop amended the motion, allowing the contempt order—and accompanying detention—to take effect only when the QuadComm probe resumes on January 13, 2025, “in the spirit of Christmas.” The committee unanimously approved the amended motion.
The inquiry is part of the QuadComm’s broader investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.