House leaders pleased with strong public support for Quad Comm investigations
LEADERS of the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee were pleased with the public’s strong support to their investigations to expose the truth and hold accountable those involved in the illegal drugs activities, illegal operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), and thousands of extrajudicial killings during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia from Nov. 26 until Dec. 3, 2024, a total of 61 percent of the respondents favored the Quad Comm investigations.
“This is a clear mandate from the people to pursue justice and expose the truth behind these systemic abuses. We will not waver in our mission to hold powerful offenders accountable,” said Quad Comm lead chair Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Quad Comm co-chairmen Dan Fernandez of Laguna, Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano of Abang Lingkod Party-list, and Bienvenido Abante of Manila, and Quad Comm Senior Vice Chairman Romeo Acop of Antipolo.
The Quad Comm leaders said that the results of the Pulse Asia survey reveal the people’s confidence in their investigation.
“This overwhelming support from the Filipino people strengthens our resolve to go after those responsible for these systemic abuses. The people demand justice, and we will not back down,” the lawmakers said.
They also believe that the survey results is a mandate coming from the people, for them to continue to look for the truth and make accountable those responsible.
“The message is loud and clear—Filipinos want accountability and reforms. This investigation is a crucial step in dismantling the networks of corruption and abuse tied to EJKs, illegal drugs, and POGOs,” they added.
The Quad Comm is composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts.
After conducting 13 investigations from August to December 2024, the members of the Quad Comm were convinced that the war on drugs campaign of former President Duterte was only used as a cover up to a “grand criminal enterprise” wherein high-ranking officials of government were involved, that there was a systematic corruption, and international drug trafficking networks.
If there were people killed because of the war on drugs, there was a group given protection that grew and became rampant during the term of Duterte and it is important for the truth to come out.
“These revelations are just the tip of the iceberg. Our work ensures that those who exploit the system are exposed and held accountable,” the legislators said.
The lawmakers also stressed on the importance of crafting a law to ensure that this would not happen again.
“Our objective is to break this cycle of impunity, ensure no one is above the law, and create safeguards to prevent such abuses in the future,” they said.
According to the results of Pulse Asia, the highest support for the Quad Comm investigation came from the National Capital Region (73%) and other parts of Luzon (66%).
There was also a high support in all socioeconomic classes, 64 percent in Class ABC, 62 percent in Class D, and 52 percent in Class E.
“This is a national issue, and the voices from every region and class validate the urgent need for this probe. Our commitment is to represent them all fairly,” the legislators also said.
In return for the strong public support, the leaders of Quad Comm promised that they would continue to look for justice and initiate steps to prevent the repeat of abuses.
“Our duty is clear: fight for justice and protect the Filipino people from those who exploit the system. With your support, we are stronger and more determined than ever,” the Quad Comm leaders added.
