The House Quad Committee announced on Thursday that it will invite Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte to its next hearing after receiving a letter from him expressing intent to raise questions. The committee is currently investigating illegal drugs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs), and extrajudicial killings.
“We have received a copy of the letter from Hon. Paolo Duterte regarding some queries, addressed to the Quad Committee chairmen,” said House Committee on Public Accounts Chairperson Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano.
During the first Quad Committee hearing, former Customs Intelligence Officer Jimmy Guban implicated Rep. Duterte in a 2018 drug smuggling case, allegations which Duterte has denied. The Davao congressman also emphasized that he did not know Guban personally and questioned his credibility.
“Wala kaming anumang transaction o ugnayan kaya walang rason na siya ay pagbantaan kung babanggitin man niya ang pangalan ko,” Duterte said. He added that Guban, who was cited for contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for lying, should not be considered a credible witness.
The Quad Committee’s investigation covers a range of issues, including alleged extrajudicial killings during the drug war under the term of Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Lawmakers emphasized that the Dutertes should not worry about the probe if they have nothing to hide, dismissing claims of political harassment raised by Vice President Sara Duterte, who defended her brother and her husband Atty. Manases Carpio from Guban’s accusations.
