Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (left), former president Rodrigo Duterte (MANILABULLETIN, Malacañang)

Co-chairmen of the vaunted quad-committee (quad-comm) in the House of Representatives welcomed the results of a nationwide survey, which showed that an overwhelming majority of Filipinos support their conduct of marathon hearings. 

The poll, conducted by the Pulse Asia survey from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2024, revealed that 61 percent of Filipinos favor the investigation of the mega-panel into the alleged interconnected issues of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illicit drug trade, land grabbing by some Chinese nationals, and the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.

“This is a clear mandate from the people to pursue justice and expose the truth behind these systemic abuses. We will not waver in our mission to hold powerful offenders accountable,” said Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Santa Rosa City lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez, ABANG LINGKOD Party-list Rep. Joseph "Caraps" Paduano, Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., and Antipolo City 2nd district Rep. Romeo Acop. 

Barbers is the overall chairman of the quad-comm, while Fernandez, Paduano, and Abante are his co-chairman. Acop is the overall vice chairman.  

They said the latest Pulse Asia survey reflects the public’s confidence in the work of the Quad Comm.

“This overwhelming support from the Filipino people strengthens our resolve to go after those responsible for these systemic abuses. The people demand justice, and we will not back down,” they said.

They described the public’s approval as a strong mandate for the joint panel to continue its quest for truth and accountability.

“The message is loud and clear—Filipinos want accountability and reforms. This investigation is a crucial step in dismantling the networks of corruption and abuse tied to EJKs, illegal drugs, and POGOs,” they said.

The joint panel—composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—has revealed alarming links between EJKs, drug syndicates, and illegal POGO operations, including allegations of money laundering, tax evasion, and human trafficking.

After conducting 13 marathon hearings from August to December 2024, the quad-comm concluded that former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial war on drugs allegedly served as a cover for a “grand criminal enterprise” involving high-ranking government officials, systemic corruption, and international drug trafficking networks.

Its findings indicate that Duterte and his inner circle allegedly enabled and profited from the drug trade they had publicly vowed to eliminate.

The quad-comm leaders emphasized the importance of bringing these findings to light. 

“These revelations are just the tip of the iceberg. Our work ensures that those who exploit the system are exposed and held accountable,” they said.

The House leaders added that the committee’s goal extends beyond accountability. “Our objective is to break this cycle of impunity, ensure no one is above the law, and create safeguards to prevent such abuses in the future."

The Pulse Asia survey indicates particularly strong support from respondents in the National Capital Region (73 percent) and Balance Luzon (66 percent).

Across socioeconomic classes, support remains robust, with 64 percent of Class ABC, 62 percent of Class D, and 52 percent of Class E favoring the inquiry.

They stressed the importance of ensuring that the investigation represents the interests of every Filipino, regardless of location or class.

“This is a national issue, and the voices from every region and class validate the urgent need for this probe. Our commitment is to represent them all fairly,” the co-chairmen said.

With strong public support, they pledged that the quad-comm would deliver justice and propose measures to prevent similar abuses in the future.

“Our duty is clear: fight for justice and protect the Filipino people from those who exploit the system. With your support, we are stronger and more determined than ever,” they said.