Solon Backs Revamped Quad Committee for Ongoing Probes

MANILA, Philippines — La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega expressed support for the renewed version of the House super panel Quad-Committee (Quad Comm) in the 20th Congress. The Quad-Committee, formed in 2024, comprised the House Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts. It was responsible for investigating issues related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), extra-judicial killings (EJKs), and other high-profile cases.

Ortega emphasized the need for Quad Comm 2.0 due to emerging issues, highlighting the efficiency of joint committees. He mentioned that the Quad Comm has unfinished business and legislative measures to pursue in the current Congress.

Under the oversight of the megapanel, bills were introduced to criminalize EJKs, impose a nationwide ban on Pogos, enhance coordination among agencies in probing human rights violations, and amend the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Quad Comm also probed the alleged links between Pogos, illegal drug trade, and state-sponsored killings during the previous administration. The committee's public hearings, including the trial of former officials, sparked public interest.

Ortega highlighted the importance of young leaders and increased public trust in the lower chamber through the reconstitution of the committee. He expressed readiness to join the committee if it is reinstated.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., the sole returning co-chair of Quad Comm, confirmed the panel's return to conclude investigations on unaccounted Pogo workers and illegal drug trade.

According to the source: Inquirer.net.