Former speaker of the House of Representatives and incumbent Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez has suggested that Congress should halt the House Quad Committee’s investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Alvarez pointed out that the latest hearing of the Quad Committee revealed nothing new, despite the first-time appearance of Duterte. According to him, the discussions merely reiterated promises made by the former president during his campaign.
“Natapos ang pagdinig na walang lumabas na bago. Walang mahalagang bagong impormasyon, at walang batayan para sa anumang kaso na puwedeng isampa,” he said on Monday.
“Lahat ng sinabi ni pangulong Duterte, sinabi na rin niya dati ‘yan. Ipinangako pa nga niya noong 2016. Suportado ng taong bayan ‘yong desisyon niya simula ng war on drugs, crime, at corruption,” he added.
Alvarez urged Congress to shift its focus to more pressing matters, such as inflation, unemployment, and crime prevention.
“Mas magandang tigilan na ng Kongreso yung Quad Comm. Sayang lang ang oras at resources. Dapat naka-focus and Kongreso sa totoong mga isyu—presyo ng mga bilihin, trabaho para sa mga tao, labanan ang kriminalidad,” Alvarez suggested.
He also remarked that the hearings could undermine the political prospects of Vice President Sara Duterte, a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
“Hindi kailangang maging henyo para maintindihan ‘yung nangyayari. Mas malaki pa boto ni VP Sara kay BBM (President Marcos),” the solon said.
Although former president Duterte had not officially confirmed his attendance, he unexpectedly showed up at the Quad Committee hearing, which had originally been canceled. The hearing was reinstated at the last minute following his sudden confirmation that he would be present.
