Congress formed QUADCOM to Handle Duterte's War on Drugs, POGOs and Organized Crime Cases

 

The Birth of the Quad Committee: Addressing the Issues of the War on Drugs

In the previous administration, the war on drugs was at the center of controversies and discussions. As a result, the Quad Committee or Quadcom was formed, a committee established to conduct a thorough investigation into the issues related to the anti-illegal drugs campaign. 

Objectives of Quadcom

Qualcomm was established to conduct a comprehensive investigation into various aspects of the war on drugs. Its goal is to identify the root causes of the problem, clarify events, and provide recommendations for remedial legislation. The creation of a quad committee is considered essential to have a centralized body that connects all information and evidence related to illegal drug issues.

Public and International Oversight

There is significant public interest in these hearings. Therefore, the records of the hearings are made public to be accessible to anyone, including the families of the victims of the war on drugs. Although the current administration does not recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Philippines, it does not dictate how people will use the records from these hearings.

Invitations to Prominent Personalities

One of the main steps of Quadcom is to invite prominent personalities such as former President Duterte and Senator Bato de la Rosa. Their testimonies are crucial to enlighten the committee on the events and gather information that will help in crafting a comprehensive report and laws to resolve the issues.

Spread of Illegal Activities

Another significant issue to be discussed by Quadcom is the proliferation of illegal POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and the criminal elements they bring. These illegal activities are linked to various issues such as drugs, property purchases, and extrajudicial killings. The committee aims to identify the origins of these problems and provide appropriate accountability while creating effective laws to address them.

Investigation Process and Timeline

The investigation of Quadcom has no definite timeline. The hearings will continue until sufficient and complete information and data are gathered. The committee aims to be thorough in their study to produce meaningful results. They may also conduct public hearings in various parts of the country if necessary.

Contempt and Show-Cause Orders

Quadcom will follow the rules of the House, which gives them the power to invite anyone necessary for information. They can also issue contempt orders to those who do not attend the hearings. For example, the case of Michael Yang is a significant issue that requires the testimony of the former President to clarify Yang's appointment as an economic adviser.

Conspiracy and Corruption in POGO Operations

The committee also discussed the alleged conspiracy between POGO operators and government officials. These operations are often linked to organized crime syndicates, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and various scams. The presence of fake birth certificates and passports often involves officials from local to national levels.

Accountability and Legal Loopholes

It is also important to identify who should be held accountable for these issues at both local and national levels. The former President issued Executive Order 13, which facilitated the proliferation of POGOs. There are government officials exploiting legal loopholes, such as allowing late birth registrations, resulting in the issuance of fake documents. The committee aims to investigate these shortcomings to recommend remedial measures.

National Security

The involvement of government officials in illegal activities raises national security concerns. The extent of this involvement is still being uncovered, and the committee's work aims to protect national interests against selfish agendas.

Addressing Accusations and Ensuring Due Process

There are accusations against former President Duterte, including orders to kill beyond the judiciary's jurisdiction. It is crucial to give him the opportunity to defend himself against these accusations. The committee's invitation to him is part of ensuring due process and fairness in the investigation.

The hearings to be conducted of the Quad Committee are vital in addressing the complexities of the war on drugs and related issues. By inviting key personalities and thoroughly investigating various aspects, the committee aims to produce a comprehensive report that will serve as a guide in crafting laws and ensuring accountability.

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Stay tuned for further updates as the hearings progress and more information is shared.