Members of the House of Representatives expressed doubts over retired senior police officer Sanson Buenaventura’s testimony in last Thursday’s Quad Committee hearing, concluding that the former driver and bodyguard of ex-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte would go to any lengths to protect the former president.
The lawmakers, led by House Assistant Majority Leader and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela “Mika” Suansing, were unsatisfied with Buenaventura’s responses to their questions, raising concerns about his credibility and honesty.
The hearing, which focused on Buenaventura’s alleged connections to Duterte—particularly regarding supposed links to the Davao Death Squad (DDS)—left lawmakers unsatisfied, with his statements only raising more questions.
“Mr. Chair, mas nakikita ko po na nagsisinungaling si Mr. Sonny Buenaventura,” Suansing said after pressing him on his statements. (“Mr. Chair, I can see that Mr. Buenaventura is lying.”)
Buenaventura’s use of coded terms, allegedly tied to DDS activities, became a key focus of Suansing’s questioning.
During the hearing, Buenaventura confirmed the long-rumored codename “Superman,” by which Duterte was known among members of the notorious DDS.
Suansing also asked him to explain the meaning of “labyog,” a term that sources indicated could refer to killing or disposing of a body.
“Kasi po, ayon po sa aming sources, ang labyog po ay to kill or dump a dead body ng isang biktima,” Suansing said, pressing Buenaventura to clarify its meaning. (“Because, according to our sources, ‘labyog’ means to kill or dump a dead body of a victim.”)
He hesitantly responded, suggesting it might mean “tapon,” or to discard, which did not satisfy lawmakers.
The hearing also scrutinized Buenaventura’s familiarity with the Laud Quarry, a site tied to numerous DDS-related allegations. When asked if he had been there, Buenaventura admitted to using the quarry, but only as a firing range.
Suansing pressed him further, saying, “Mr. Buenaventura, nakapunta na kayo sa Laud quarry… alam nyo ang itsura at laki ng Laud quarry na may laman na firing range sa loob. Okay na po?” (“Mr. Buenaventura, you have been to the Laud quarry… you know what it looks like, how big it is, and that there is a firing range inside. Is that correct?”)
Buenaventura confirmed, “Yes, Your Honor,” though his acknowledgment did little to dispel lawmakers’ doubts.
“For the record, Mr. Buenaventura has been to the Laud quarry… alam nya ang itsura at laki ng Laud quarry na may laman na firing range sa loob,” Suansing said. (“He knows what the Laud quarry looks like, how big it is, and that it has a firing range inside.”)
Suansing also questioned Buenaventura’s financial transparency, urging him to waive his bank secrecy rights if he had nothing to hide.
“Kung wala po kayong tinatago, willing po ba kayong i-waive ang bank secrecy para po sa inyong mga bank accounts?” she asked. (“If you are not hiding anything, are you willing to waive the bank secrecy law for your bank accounts?”)
Buenaventura declined, stating, “Four thousand [pesos] plus lang ‘yun, Your Honor,” emphasizing that his accounts were for family use only. (“There’s only 4,000 pesos plus, Your Honor.”)
Buenaventura’s alleged role in DDS operations, as described in the affidavit of self-confessed DDS hitman Arturo Lascañas, was another focal point of the questioning.
Suansing cited Lascañas’ claims, which depicted Buenaventura as allegedly active in coordinating DDS logistics.
“Mr. Chair, it’s the word of Mr. Sonny Buenaventura against the affidavit of Mr. Lascañas,” Suansing pointed out.
Suansing also questioned Buenaventura’s loyalty to Duterte and whether it might influence his testimony. She directly confronted him about the extent of his loyalty, asking whether he would misrepresent facts to protect the former president.
Suansing and other lawmakers raised doubts about Buenaventura’s willingness to reveal the full truth.
Buenaventura’s associations with individuals linked to DDS activities also came under scrutiny. When asked about his ties to key figures like Sammy Uy and Michael Yang, Buenaventura maintained that he had limited interactions with them.
Suansing, however, expressed doubt, given Buenaventura’s long tenure as Duterte’s bodyguard and his proximity to the former president during that time.
The Quad Committee hearing aimed to investigate Buenaventura’s role in alleged DDS operations and examine his connections to those accused of involvement.
Suansing continued to press Buenaventura on DDS-related issues, but his answers remained guarded.
Great post detailing the recent Quad Committee hearing and the doubts surrounding Buenaventura’s testimony! Do you think further investigations into Buenaventura’s connections to the DDS and his reluctance to reveal certain information will lead to more clarity on the matter?