Filipinos may expect deeper levels of investigation from the House Quad Committee until all possible angles have been explored, lead chairperson and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said on Sunday.
In an interview over radio dzBB, Barbers said that there is so much information to be uncovered from the operations left by the now defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
“We believe that this is an operation of a large syndicate with drug trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering as their main sources of income,” he said.
The Quad Committee had its last hearing on Friday, during which retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma admitted that former President Duterte sanctioned a ‘Davao-like’ drug war with its corresponding reward system.
When asked if Garma could be qualified to become a state witness, Barbers said it is up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work on this matter.
“If this has been weighed out by the DOJ, I’m sure they will recommend it,” he said, adding that this option will also be discussed in writing in the committee report.
Barbers also left it to Duterte’s discretion whether or not he will face the committee. The former president earlier stated publicly he is willing to submit himself for the Quad Comm members should they extend an invitation and as long as they ask “intelligent questions.”
“It is not the disadvantage of the committee, but it is to the disadvantage of the accusers. That’s why our doors remain open as a venue for him (Duterte) to respond,” Barbers said.
The Quad Committee scheduled another hearing on Wednesday, October 16, which would focus on the testimony of Jimmy Guban, the former Customs intelligence agent who linked key members of the Duterte family into illegal drug operations.
