Manila—On Thursday, Robert Ace Barbers, the representative of the second district of Surigao del Norte, stated that the House Quadripartite Committee (Quadcom) will expose and hold accountable those government officials found colluding with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in illegal activities.
Barbers made this statement during the sixth joint hearing, which investigated issues interconnected with POGOs, illegal drug trade, illegal land acquisition by Chinese nationals, and alleged extrajudicial killings related to the former Duterte administration's war on drugs.
Barbers said: "Ignoring the potential disaster it could bring to the nation, these traitors allow the influence and reach of these criminal groups to expand, just to fill their own pockets, trading the nation's honor for wealth."
He indicated that previous hearings had already revealed the fact that POGOs serve as a cover for numerous criminal activities, revealing that these institutions operated by Chinese nationals falsely claim to offer overseas gambling services, while gambling is illegal in China.
Barbers stated that the Quadripartite Committee found that drug trafficking funds were used to buy influence and corrupt the governmental system, allowing criminal groups to acquire false Filipino identities and enabling POGOs to purchase real estate and other properties for laundering illegal funds.
He said: "All this has happened because government officials colluded with them. For money, senior government officials agreed and allowed themselves to be used as protectors, representatives, and lawyers for these POGOs."
He stated that the ongoing investigation by the committee aims not only to expose these criminals but also to develop legislative solutions to prevent future abuses.
Proposed legislative measures include adopting the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act), revising the Anti-Dummy Law, and reviewing the Special Investor's Resident Visa program.
Barbers dismissed criticism of the Quadripartite Committee, stating that these derogatory remarks prove that the investigation targets are being affected, and the committee is gaining more valuable legislative information.
He said: "I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that under Article VI, Section 21 of the Constitution, conducting investigations to aid legislation is a fundamental function of Congress."
"Congress has the authority to conduct investigations, compel testimony, and require documents as necessary in the performance of its legislative duties. These investigations aim to expose matters of public concern, propose policy recommendations, and ultimately legislate for the welfare of the nation," he added.
He stated that the contempt orders issued by the committee are not an overreach but a vital tool for compliance necessary to ensure the truth is revealed.
"The people of this country deserve the truth. I assure you, this committee will not be swayed by threats or interference," Barbers said.
