The House of Representatives on Wednesday elected Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon as chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts, completing the roster of committee leaders that comprise the powerful Quad Committee set to resume its sweeping investigation into extrajudicial killings, illegal drug operations and organized crime syndicates.
The election of Ridon, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP) who studied public policy and business in Harvard University, fills the final leadership post in the joint panel—unofficially dubbed “Quad Comm 2.0.”
Joining him are fellow chairmen Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. (Committee on Human Rights), Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano (Committee on Public Order and Safety), and Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores (Committee on Dangerous Drugs).
The reactivation of the Quad Comm signals the 20th Congress’ renewed commitment—under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez—to uncover unresolved cases of state-enabled violence, corruption and criminal impunity.
Many of these crimes were first exposed during the 19th Congress and reignited by the recent reinvestigation into the reported disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts or ‘sabungeros.’
Ridon, a former student activist and staunch anti-corruption advocate, is widely regarded for his legal acumen and experience in government accountability.
His appointment strengthens the committee’s mandate to scrutinize financial and operational anomalies tied to abuses of power and public trust.
