Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Facebook)

The House quad-committee (quad-comm) has updated its list of existing laws that need to be tweaked or at the very least reviewed, based on the mega-panel's shocking findings from its seven hearings so far. 

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chairman of the quad-comm, outlined a series of legislative amendments that he believes are crucial in addressing the root causes of criminality. 

“The proposed legislations we have outlined...are not just responses to the pressing issues of illegal drug trade, POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator)-related crimes, and extrajudicial killings (EJKs); they represent a crucial step toward building a more just and secure future for our country,” he said. 

He sought amendments to the Cybercrime Law to address the rampant issues of online gambling, hacking, and investment scams, which have provided new platforms for organized crime syndicates to wreak havoc. 

Barbers also called for amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act to empower the government to take swift action against suspicious financial activities, even before formal charges are filed. This will ensure that illegal funds are intercepted before they can be used to further criminal enterprises. 

The Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwart also highlighted the need to reform the Revised Corporation Code. He stressed that only legitimate individuals and entities should be allowed to create corporations, as shell companies have been a tool for money laundering and other illicit activities. 

Barbers points out that amending the Local Government Code is also necessary to prevent the abuse of power by local government units (LGUs) in reclassifying and converting land, which has been exploited by foreign nationals and corrupt officials. 

The veteran lawmaker from Mindanao also proposed reforms to birth registration laws. He underscored the importance of ensuring that only true Filipino citizens are registered, thereby preventing fraudulent claims of citizenship. 

He further emphasized the need to amend the Land Registration Act to ensure that only Filipino citizens and legitimate corporations can own land in the Philippines, as there have been numerous cases of illegal land acquisitions by foreign entities. 

HAVE YOU READ THIS? 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/17/thank-you-quad-comm-luistro-says-these-laws-should-be-revisited


In strengthening the Witness Protection Act, Barbers stressed that individuals testifying against organized crime should be provided with the highest level of security, as their testimonies are essential in bringing criminals to justice. 

The quad-comm overall chairman also called for a review of the current system of visa issuance. According to him, the power to issue visas must be restricted to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to prevent abuse by other agencies, which have facilitated the entry of foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. 

As the ultimate deterrent to heinous crimes, Barbers has also pitched once again the return of death penalty to the Philippines. 

He says these amendments are vital to restoring public trust in the government and maintaining order in the country. 

Critics of the quad-comm have claimed that its hearings are a venue for political attacks, but Barbers' proposals intend to show that they are indeed in aid of legislation.