Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Keith Bacongco/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House quad-committee (quad-comm) will carry out its ninth hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with the intent of hearing what former president Rodrigo Duterte has to say. 

This, after the Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers-led mega-panel sent a notice to Duterte for the purpose of inviting him to the resumption of the investigation. 

"Please be informed that the Joint Committee will hold a public hearing in connection with its inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the date, time, and place indicated," read the letter dated Oct. 18 and signed by Barbers, the overall chairman. 

The one-page notice was sent to Duterte at his Davao City residence, specifically at Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina. 

"In this regard, the Joint Committee respectfully invites you to attend the said inquiry to provide valuable insights and shed light on the issues under discussion particularly on extra-judicial killings," It read. 

"Attached herewith is the Agenda on the said meeting. Please confirm your attendance to facilitate arrangements for your participation. If you plan to make a presentation, submit documents or have an opening statement, please submit the same to the Committee Secretariat for its preparation. 

"We look forward to your valuable contribution to this legislative inquiry," the letter stated. 

Expected to attend the Oct. 22 hearing is former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma, a former appointee of Duterte. 

Garma has the distinction of being the first to implicate the former chief executive of having a direct hand in the orchestration of an anti-illegal drug campaign wherein the killing of the drug suspects was encouraged in exchange for cash. 

She made these shocking claims during the previous quad-comm hearing last Oct. 11. 

Before this particular hearing, Duterte said he was willing to attend the inquiry at the House of Representatives. This was a 180-degree turn, as he had earlier expressed disinterest in joining the proceedings 

The quad-comm has always had an open invitation to Duterte, and its Oct. 18 notice appears to be an attempt to take advantage of the ex-president's current state of mind. 

Should he appear before the quad-comm, Duterte will be treated with respect and cordiality, the joint panel’s co-chairmen have repeatedly said.