House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives has formed the quinta-committee (quinta-comm), which is tasked to investigate the interdependent issues of smuggling and price manipulation of basic goods and essential commodities, as well as to address hunger and promote food and nutrition security.

The five panels that make up the quinta-comm were identified by House Resolution (HR) No. 2036, which the lower chamber adopted on Sept. 25, or the final session before Congress went on recess.

Specifically, this mega-panel is composed of the Committees on Ways and Means (chaired by Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda), Trade and Industry (Iloilo 4th district Rep. Ferjenel Biron), Agriculture and Food (Quezon 1st district Rep. Wilfrido Enverga), Social Services (Nueva Ecija 3rd district Rep. Ria Vergara), and the Special Committee on Food Security (Nueva Vizcaya lone district Rep. Luisa Cuaresma).

The quinta-comm will conduct its joint inquiry, in aid of legislation, based on several resolutions and privilege speeches aimed at addressing smuggling, among other concerns.

HR No. 2036 stated that the five committees have already conducted their own legislated inquiries; however, lawmakers found it apparent that one committee cannot individually probe without encroaching on the jurisdiction of another panel.

“Due to the interdependent nature of the issues involved within their respective jurisdiction, there is a need to conduct a joint inquiry for a more effective and efficient resolution of these issues,” the resolution read.

It further emphasized that the quinta-comm is consistent with the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach to achieve proper nutrition and food security. 

Once the hearings of the mega-panel are finalized, it is tasked to come up with a comprehensive report on possible remedial measures to address the issues at hand.

The House earlier formed the quad-comm, which is tasked to investigate the alleged links between illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, and extrajudicial killings during the war on drugs under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.