Latest news with #HouseQuadCommittee
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
House probe on missing sabungeros sought
A congressional inquiry on the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) has been proposed in the House of Representatives amid the ongoing search for their possible remains in Taal Lake. Manila Rep. Benny Abante made the call under House Resolution 53, saying that the disappearance of 34 sabungeros between 2021 to 2022 is just as worse as extrajudicial killings. 'The disappearance of the 'missing sabungeros' is no different from the extrajudicial killings in the fight against illegal drugs, a clear violation of human rights which is no longer just about gambling but about justice, accountability, the rule of law, and blatant disrespect of and disregard to the value and dignity of human life,' Abante's Resolution read. 'Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, that the House of Representatives, condemn as it hereby condemns in the strongest terms, the abduction and supposed killing of the 'missing' sabungeros; Resolved further, that the House of Representatives conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of these sabungeros,' the Resolution added. It was one of the accused, Julie "Dondon' Patidongan or alias Totoy, who claimed that more than 100 sabungeros were abducted, killed, and then dumped at Taal Lake. Likewise, Totoy accused businessman Charlie 'Atong' Ang and actress Gretchen Barreto, as well as police officials, of being involved in their disappearance. Ang and a number of police officials identified by Totoy have denied such allegations. Meanwhile, the same Resolution also called for the reinstatement of the House Quad Committee under the 20th Congress to probe the case of missing sabungeros. The House Quad Committee under the previous 19th Congress, composed of four House panels on dangerous drugs, accounts, human rights and public order/safety investigated the drug war killings during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and crimes related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Congress has the authority to conduct investigations in aid of legislation and has the authority to recommend the filing of criminal charges based on the results of the congressional inquiry. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
QuadComm lifts contempt order vs. Harry Roque
The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) on Monday lifted the contempt order it issued against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and his wife, Mylah. Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano made the motion. The QuadComm issued a contempt order against Roque and ordered his detention last year after he refused to submit documents that will justify his increased wealth. It issued a contempt order against Mylah Roque in October 2024. At the same time, Manila Representative Benny Abante urged Roque to follow the advice of former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo and return and face the charges against him in the country. Roque, who is seeking asylum in The Hague, Netherlands, is facing charges for qualified human trafficking in connection with the Lucky South 99 POGO firm before the Angeles, Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC). 'If Harry Roque is listening right now and watching us, I would like to tell him na gayahin na niya 'yung sinabi ng kanyang kasama na si Sal Panelo. Umuwi ka na lang. Face the court, face us, and tell us kung inosente ka sa mga paratang na ito,' he said at the hearing of the House Quad Committee (Quad Comm). This came after Abante asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regarding the ways Roque may return to the Philippines. Panelo previously called on Roque to face the charges against him. He said that Roque's claim that he is politically persecuted in the country will not stand as there are harsher critics of the Marcos administration who are not facing charges. GMA News Online is trying to get Roque's side. He previously denied the allegations against him. Meanwhile, Abante said he considers Roque a 'fugitive' and a 'criminal,' saying his case does not differ from former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo 'Arnie' Teves Jr., who is accused of involvement in the killing of Negros Governor Roel Degamo. He also called on the DFA to coordinate with The Hague, Netherlands regarding Roque's situation. 'Tulad ng ginawa kay Arnie Teves. Hindi naman court order 'yun kung hindi ang East Timor na ang gumawa ng paraan para pauwiin siya,' Abante said. (Just like what was done to Arnie Teves. It wasn't even a court order—it was East Timor itself that found a way to send him home.) 'I'm saying this because Harry Roque is vital as far as the POGO solution is concerned. Kaya siya tumakas, eh. Sapagkat marami siyang alam tungkol diyan,' he added. (I'm saying this because Harry Roque is vital as far as the POGO solution is concerned. That's why he fled. Because he knows a lot about it.) The DFA representative said it will consult the appropriate office in the agency. — BM, GMA Integrated News
