Members of the House of Representatives criticized Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s claim that the House’s quadruple committee inquiry into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs and its connection to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) is an attempt to implicate him and former President Rodrigo Duterte in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) under international scrutiny.
House Response to Dela Rosa’s Allegations
House Deputy Speaker Rep. David Suarez called Dela Rosa’s claim “unnecessary, unparliamentary and unbecoming of a public servant.” Suarez emphasized that the House’s investigation aims to uncover the truth behind syndicates involved in illegal drugs and POGOs, not to conduct a witch hunt.
Formation of Quadruple Committee
The House formed a committee consisting of four congressional panels to investigate potential links between POGOs and illegal activities. The committees involved are:
- Committee on Dangerous Drugs (Chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers)
- Committee on Human Rights (Chaired by Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante)
- Committee on Public Order and Safety (Chaired by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez)
- Committee on Public Accounts (Chaired by Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano)
Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Jude Acidre expressed disappointment in Dela Rosa’s remarks, suggesting that instead of cooperating, Dela Rosa chose to attack the House leadership.
Invitation to Dela Rosa and Duterte
The quadruple committee intends to invite Dela Rosa and Duterte to the inquiry as resource persons, not to prosecute them. Barbers stated that the invitation is not mandatory and respects inter-parliamentary courtesy.
Barbers clarified that the committee’s goal is to gather information and expertise to help craft new laws aimed at punishing those responsible for the proliferation of criminal organizations.
The first hearing of the quadruple committee probe is scheduled for August 15.