MANILA Representarive Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. yesterday opened the Quad Comm hearing with a pointed message directed at former President Rodrigo Duterte, setting a firm tone for the proceedings, sternly warning the ex-president not to use vulgar language in the congressional probe.

Abante, a co-chair of the Quad Comm because he chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, delivered an unambiguous warning to Duterte to refrain from using foul language, which he said would not be tolerated in the session. A

“Ang kahilingan lang po namin dito, habang kayo po ay kinakausap namin ngayong umaga, ang kahilingan lang po namin dito ay sana naman respetuhin po ninyo ang Quad Comm hearing na ito sa pamamagitan ng hindi paggamit ng mga vulgar words,” Abante said.

Abante underscored his intent to maintain decorum, stating he would invoke a point of order if Duterte resorted to foul language during the proceedings.

“Kapag kayo po ay nagmura sa Quad Comm hearing na ito, I will make a point of order on you,” Abante asserted.

He explained that he had a legal basis to address any disturbance to the hearing’s decorum, underscoring the Quad Comm’s commitment to a respectful and orderly session.

Earlier in his statement, Abante said his church composed of over 6,000 pastors actually supported Duterte in his presidential bid in 2016, but received no gratitude from the former president.

Abante’s opening remarks echoed this call for respect, though he clarified that respect does not mean deference.

“While we should be respectful, we cannot be deferential,” Abante said.

“We answer to a power greater than any president – we answer to the Filipino people and to God,” he declared.

Abante set a strong precedent for the inquiry into allegations related to the government’s anti-drug campaign, as he reminded the former president that the investigation is a solemn endeavor aimed at uncovering the truth.

“Our mission is to seek the truth, and we shall not be swayed from that path,” Abante stated.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, another co-chair of the Quad Comm, reinforced the inquiry’s objective, emphasizing its necessity to combat illegal drugs and end extrajudicial killings.

“The Quad Comm was established after realizing that overlapping issues were being investigated by various committees.” Barbers pointed out that combining the committees’ efforts would streamline resources and ensure a comprehensive investigation.

Barbers noted that the inquiry, which initially focused on illegal drugs, eventually broadened to encompass extrajudicial killings and the connections between illegal drug operations and organized crime.

He pointed to revelations that linked high-ranking government officials to these activities.

“What started as an investigation into illegal drugs has expanded into a deeper probe that has shocked the nation,” Barbers said.

Abante also took the opportunity to affirm the Quad Comm’s respect for Duterte’s rights as a former president, saying, “Iginagalang po namin kayo and in deference to you being the former President of the Republic, we shall accord to you all the respect due you.”

However, he made it clear that this respect would not shield the former president from tough questions aimed at uncovering accountability for alleged human rights abuses during his administration.

Barbers echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Quad Comm’s responsibility to hear out all sides and make recommendations based on evidence and testimonies.

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