House Quad-Committee Ends Hearings After 15 Sessions
At 7:24 p.m. on Monday, June 9, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the overall chairman, officially declared the House quad-committee hearings “terminated.” This announcement marked the conclusion of the intense investigation in aid of legislation, which spanned 15 marathon sessions over 11 months during the 19th Congress.
The House quad-committee has been deeply involved in probing alleged interconnected issues concerning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), extrajudicial killings (EJKs), money laundering, illegal drugs, and the controversial drug war launched by former president Rodrigo Duterte. The quad-committee’s work captured public attention, especially when former president Duterte himself appeared as a high-profile witness, drawing nearly 1.9 million viewers on the official House livestream.
Quad-Committee 2.0 Expected in 20th Congress
Despite this session’s closure, Rep. Barbers warned that the investigation is far from over. “Kaya sa mga natutuwa sa pag-aakalang nakalusot na sila sa imbestigasyon, paumanhin po. Sapagkat malaki ang posibilidad na magkakaroon muli ng quad-comm sa darating na Kongreso. Ito ang quad-comm 2.0,” he said in his closing remarks. (So, to those who are pleased, thinking they have evaded the investigation, my apologies. There is a high possibility that a quad-comm will convene again in the upcoming Congress. This is quad-comm 2.0.)
Barbers added, “Maaaring ito na nga ang huling pagdinig ng quad-comm sa panahong ito, subalit ang paghahanap ng katarungan ay magpapatuloy.” (This may very well be the final hearing of the quad-comm for this period, but the pursuit of justice will continue.)
High Public Interest and Viral Moments
The quad-committee hearings became a staple of political discourse, often compared to must-see television due to its viral moments and extensive coverage by vloggers. The high viewership showed the public’s keen interest in the proceedings and the issues tackled.
Continuing Efforts Despite Time Constraints
Rep. Barbers acknowledged that not all concerns might have been fully addressed due to time limits. Yet, he urged the public to remain hopeful and trust their representatives. “Kung hindi man nabigyan ng pansin ang iba pang mga bagay-bagay dahil sa kakulangan ng panahon, huwag po kayong mawalan ng tiwala at pag-asa. Hindi po manhid o natutulog ang inyong mga kinatawan sa Kongresong ito,” he said. (If certain matters have not been given due attention due to time constraints, do not lose trust or hope. Your representatives in this Congress are neither indifferent nor asleep.)
As one of its final acts, the quad-committee approved its committee report, subject to style, which is expected to be adopted in plenary before the 19th Congress adjourns sine die this week.
For more news and updates on House quad-committee, visit Filipinokami.com.
