La Union Rep. Backs Quad-Committee Revival
MANILA, Philippines — La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V expressed strong support for the revival of the House super panel Quad-Committee in the 20th Congress. The renewed Quad-Committee 2.0 has resumed its investigations on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) and other critical issues.
The Quad-Committee, originally formed in 2024, is a combined group of the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts. It was created to investigate concerns linked to Pogos, extra-judicial killings (EJKs), and other significant cases. Ortega emphasized the importance of continuing the work of this consolidated body.
“We really need Quad Comm 2.0 because many issues are emerging. We all know the efficiency of those joint committees,” Ortega shared in a mix of English and Filipino during an interview with local reporters.
Ortega pointed out that the Quad-Committee still has much unfinished business and legislative proposals to pursue in Congress. He added, “If there are a lot of concerns, the best way to solve them is through legislation, through the convening of the different committees concerned.”
Legislative Goals Under Quad-Committee
Under the watch of this megapanel, lawmakers filed bills aiming to criminalize extra-judicial killings and implement a nationwide ban on Pogos. The committee also pushed for better coordination among agencies investigating human rights abuses and proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Probing Alleged Connections
The Quad-Committee relentlessly pursued links between illegal activities involving Pogos, the drug trade, and alleged state-sponsored killings during the previous administration. Its public hearings sparked significant public attention, including the trial of dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo for graft and inquiries into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s alleged involvement in the drug war and the Davao death squad during his mayoralty.
Renewed Public Confidence and Leadership
Ortega stressed that the resurgence of the joint committee aims to bring forward new young leaders, dubbed the House “Young Guns,” and to restore public trust in the lower chamber. He affirmed his readiness to join the committee once it is reconstituted.
The only returning co-chair of the Quad-Committee, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., has assured the panel’s return. The group is set to conclude its investigations on over 10,000 unaccounted Pogo workers and the illegal drug trade.
For more news and updates on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, visit Filipinokami.com.
