Senator Richard J. Gordon on Monday, August 9 strongly opposed a House of Representatives resolution which sought to investigate the credentials and background of OCTA Research Group.

‘’It is with deep consternation that I interpose my objection to House Resolution No. 2071 which urges the Committee Good Government and Public Accountability to conduct an inquiry “in aid of legislation to ascertain the credentials and background” of OCTA Research Group,’’ Gordon said in a statement.

Gordon pointed out that using the power of congressional oversight to question the motives of a private non-profit group whose members are academics with published credentials ‘’is a waste of resources and constitutes a veiled attempt to assign the blame to the bearer of bad news.’’

Accusing the same group of “gaming the system” by brazenly trying to manipulate the health emergency in order to promote its professional reputation at the expense of public welfare is a preposterous idea which cannot be allowed to fester by allowing idle minds to sensationalize it “in aid of legislation,’’ he stressed.

Gordon emphasized that the dubious motives ascribed to this exercise becomes more questionable in light of the high level of accuracy shown by the OCTA Research Group’s forecasts especially during past and most recent surges in the NCR and adjacent provinces.

‘’Which brings us to question: Is OCTA being punished for being right?’’ he asked.

Gordon maintained that legislative efforts should instead be directed to address more urgent concerns such as the non-payment of claims by Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to health service providers, the lack of testing and contact tracing in most LGUs, and the ramping up of vaccination nationwide - issues that would profoundly impact the way we deal with the current pandemic.

‘’These times require the best from all of us. Nowadays, solidarity is self-interest. If we fail to understand this, everyone loses,’’ he added.