House Quad-Committee Demands Cooperation in Final Hearing
Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop openly criticized some uncooperative and unruly resource persons and witnesses during the House quad-committee’s 11-month investigation. The quad-committee, tasked with probing vital issues, held its 15th and final hearing on Monday night, June 9. Acop emphasized that the firm and strict approach taken throughout the investigation was necessary to accomplish their goals.
“The quad-comm is tasked not only with uncovering the truth, but also with ensuring that truth leads to meaningful lasting change,” Acop said in his closing remarks. As the overall vice chairman of the mega-panel, he noted that the testimonies and evidence revealed both progress and concerning gaps in current systems.
“So kami rin po ay nagpapasalamat sa cooperation din po ng aming resource persons. Kahit kayo po ay napapagalitan namin, kahit kayo po ay aming kino-contempt kasi mayroon po kaming mission o objective na dapat marating at ma-accomplish. Sana po maindindihan niyo po kami,” Acop explained. (We also thank our resource persons for their cooperation. Even though we may reprimand or hold you in contempt, it is only because we have a mission or objective that we need to reach and accomplish. We hope you understand.)
Commitment to Justice and Accountability
A former police brigadier general, Acop is the only senior quad-committee official returning in the 20th Congress after winning reelection in May. He stressed that their work honors victims and the Filipino people who deserve institutions that protect with integrity.
“The quad-comm’s work does not end here. Let these hearings stand as a commitment of the House of Representatives that we will do our work to the best of our ability, and it will continue to perform the task given to it,” he added.
Since August 2024, the committee has been investigating interconnected issues surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), extrajudicial killings (EJKs), money laundering, illegal drugs, and the controversial war on drugs initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Contempt Citations and Public Attention
Several individuals were cited for contempt during the hearings, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, POGO figures Alice Guo and Cassandra Ong, former PCSO general manager Royina Garma, former PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva, and Bureau of Corrections Superintendent Gerardo Padilla. These strict measures underscored the committee’s resolve to fulfill its mission.
The quad-committee’s hearings were livestreamed and attracted hundreds of thousands to millions of viewers, reflecting the public’s intense interest in these pressing issues.
For more news and updates on House quad-committee, visit Filipinokami.com.