By Filane Mikee Cervantes | Philippine News Agency
The House of Representatives is “on the right side of history” in its probe into alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to the previous administration’s drug war and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
In his speech during the resumption of session Monday, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the chamber would pursue the Quad-Committee’s probe “no matter the opposition” as they vowed to uncover the truth regarding EJKs and illegal POGOs.
“Sa mga nagtatangka na pigilan tayo sa paghahanap ng katotohanan at katarungan, isa lamang ang sasabihin ko sa inyo: Hindi kayo magtatagumpay sa masamang hangarin ninyo,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez said the House will “not yield to intimidation or pressure.”
We will not be swayed by the attacks hurled against us. Instead, we will press on with even greater resolve, knowing that the people are behind us, that history will remember our courage, and that our efforts are guided by the principles of justice and integrity,” he said.
He noted that the House mega panel handling the probe faced efforts to discredit its “pursuit of accountability”.
“The Quad-Comm and our Young Guns have become the target of those who prefer the shadows over the light. They attempt to undermine our work, casting aspersions, and spreading false narratives to discredit our pursuit of accountability,” he said.
Romualdez asserted that the probe would be difficult but necessary.
“The forces of darkness will not relent easily. They will use every means at their disposal to obscure the truth, sow doubt, and weaken our resolve. But as long as we hold fast to our principles and remain united in purpose, we will prevail,” he said.
To address gaps in existing laws that were discovered in the ongoing probe, House leaders have proposed House Bill No. 10986, known as the Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act which seeks to classify EJKs as heinous crimes, and House Bill No. 10987, or the Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act aimed at banning all forms of offshore gaming.
Romualdez also welcomed the recent submission of pertinent documents and a partial report to the Office of the Solicitor General to investigate Chinese nationals who fraudulently obtained FIlipino citizenship to illegally acquire land and operate businesses in the Philippines.
The report recommends initiating civil forfeiture proceedings against these foreigners.
Romualdez urged his colleagues to focus on serving the public and ensuring accountability.
“Today, we stand on the right side of history, not just as witnesses but as architects of change. The people are watching. HIstory is watching. Let us not falter, for we hold the power to shape the destiny of our nation,” he said.