GOVERNMENT officials who betrayed the country by conspiring with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) involved in crimes such as drug smuggling, human trafficking and money laundering will be exposed and held accountable, the overall chair of the House Quad Committee assured on Thursday.
Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers made this commitment in his opening statement during the sixth hearing of the joint panel investigating the interconnected issues of POGOs, the illegal drug trade, unlawful land acquisition by Chinese nationals and alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs.
Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, condemned these officials for prioritizing personal gain over the nation’s welfare, enabling syndicates to flourish and commit heinous crimes, including murder, torture and human trafficking.
“Di alintana ang kapahamakang idudulot sa bayan, itong mga traydor na ito ay hinayaang yumabong at lumaki ang impluwensya at kapangyarihan ng mga sindikatong ito, basta lamang mapuno ang mga bulsa ng kayamanang kapalit ng dangal ng bayan,” Barbers declared.
He noted that previous hearings have already exposed POGOs as fronts for numerous criminal activities, revealing that Chinese nationals operating these establishments falsely claim to offer overseas gambling services, despite gambling being illegal in China.
Barbers added that the Quad Committee uncovered how drug money was used to buy influence and corrupt government systems, enabling the acquisition of fake Filipino identities and allowing POGOs to acquire real estate and other properties, which are then used to launder the illicit funds.
“Lahat po ito ay nangyari sapagkat nakipagsabwatan sa kanila ang mga kawani ng gobyerno. Kapalit ang salapi, pumayag at hinayaan ng mga kawani at matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno na sila ay magamit bilang mga protektor, kinatawan, at mistulang nag-abogado para sa mga POGO na ito,” Barbers pointed out.
Barbers said the committee’s ongoing investigation aims not only to expose these wrongdoers but also to craft legislative solutions to prevent future abuses.
Among the proposed legislative measures are the adaptation of the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, amendments to the Anti-Dummy Law and a review of the Special Investors Resident Visa Program.
Barbers addressed criticisms of the Quad Committee’s investigation, stressing that attempts to discredit the probe only confirm that the joint panel is hitting its targets and uncovering the truth.
“As we get more valuable information, Quad Comm has been getting discrediting remarks, proof that the targets are hurting. Let me take this opportunity therefore to remind everyone that the power to conduct investigations in aid of legislation is a fundamental function of Congress, enshrined in Article VI, Section 21 of the Constitution,” Barbers said.
He added: “This is not a mere privilege but a duty to the Filipino people. Congress is empowered to investigate, to compel testimony, and to demand documents when it is necessary to fulfill our legislative mandate. These inquiries are designed to shed light on matters of public interest, to recommend policy reforms, and, ultimately, to legislate for the welfare of the nation.”
Barbers made it clear that contempt orders issued by the committee are not overreach but essential tools to ensure the compliance necessary for uncovering the truth.
The Quad Committee head concluded his opening statement with a firm assurance that the panel will not be swayed or hindered by baseless accusations of overreach or abuse of power, emphasizing that they have “the authority, the responsibility, and the will to pursue this investigation to its rightful conclusion, regardless of any obstacle.”
“The people of this country deserve nothing less than the truth. And let me assure you, this Committee will not be swayed by threats or distractions,” Barbers said. “Our mission is to uncover the facts and to ensure that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable. Together, we will continue this fight until we finally get to the bottom of these issues.”
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