Nation News
The House Quad Committee confirmed that retired Police Col. Edilberto Leonardo’s testimony supports the existence of a reward system for extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration’s drug war. Committee members highlighted the significance of this corroboration, which solidifies their investigation’s findings and calls for further inquiry by the Department of Justice.
The “young guns” of the House of Representatives agree to undergo drug tests and psychiatric evaluations, conditional on Vice President Sara Duterte’s commitment to testify under oath regarding fund misuse allegations. They assert that accountability must be mutual, emphasizing public officials must uphold transparency while challenging Duterte to address the accusations directly.
Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi emphasized continued collaboration with the Philippines to enhance a free and open international order during a recent call with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Both ministers affirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across security, economy, and cultural exchange, ahead of their diplomatic relations’ 70th anniversary in 2026.
In the third quarter of 2024, self-rated poverty in the Philippines decreased to 43 percent, translating to about 11.3 million families, a significant drop from 48 percent in the previous quarter. Self-rated hunger also fell to 11 percent, or 2.9 million families, indicating improvements, though food poverty remains a challenge.
The House of Representatives held a community outreach program to celebrate its 2024 HRep Month and 117th anniversary, focusing on elderly and orphaned children. Gifts were distributed to residents at GRACES, with Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay emphasizing her commitment to their welfare. Donations from various lawmakers contributed to the event’s success, fostering joy and gratitude.
Former Senator Leila De Lima testified that the “Davao Model” used by Duterte linked to the Davao Death Squad (DDS) facilitated extrajudicial killings during his presidency. She detailed a structured system of financial incentives for killings, connecting police and barangay officials with death squads. Accountability for victims is crucial, based on CHR findings.
House Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for her recent inflammatory statements, which he deemed insensitive and threatening. Despite familial ties, he voiced his deep disdain for her comments about his father and grandfather. Duterte faces allegations of misusing confidential funds but avoided addressing them, opting instead for personal attacks.
House Quad Committee chairpersons handed urgent documents to Assistant Solicitor General Hermes Ocampo, urging the OSG to take legal action against Chinese nationals accused of fraudulently obtaining Filipino citizenship to illegally acquire land and operate businesses in the Philippines. They were accompanied by other representatives and legal officials.
House leaders proposed a joint House-Senate investigation into extrajudicial killings, aiming for a comprehensive congressional probe. Rep. Barbers emphasized the efficiency of a synchronized investigation, while Rep. Fernandez supported expediting legislation declaring EJK a heinous crime and curtailing POGO operations, highlighting the urgency of legislative action.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte missed the 9th House Quad Comm hearing investigating extrajudicial killings linked to his anti-drug campaign, citing health concerns. His lawyer expressed a willingness to reschedule. The committee had anticipated Duterte’s attendance to address testimonies related to a reward system for killed drug suspects and the high death toll in his drug war.