By Bea Rollo
(November 11, 2024) – The House quad-committee leaders offered on Monday to personally fund former president Rodrigo Duterte’s travel and accommodations to ensure his attendance at the upcoming hearings.
Duterte recently cited financial limitations and health concerns as reasons preventing his attendance.
The committee’s lead chair, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, along with co-chairs and representatives Dan Fernandez, Bienvenido Abante Jr., and Joseph Stephen Paduano, said they are willing to “chip in” to remove any financial barriers the former president has cited as reasons for missing the panel’s Nov. 7 hearing.
“We’re offering to remove every obstacle. We’re even willing to ‘chip in’ if it means he can no longer avoid the inquiry. The victims’ families deserve the truth,” Abante said.
Quadcom vice chair Romeo Acop, Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales Jr., and Deputy Speaker Jay-jay Suarez echoed the same willingness.
“If finances are truly an issue, we’re ready to cover his travel and accommodations ourselves. This is about the people’s right to know the truth about alleged abuses in his administration’s anti-drug operations,” Barbers stated.
His absences have frustrated lawmakers, with some questioning his willingness to answer for alleged human rights violations linked to the his administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign that reportedly led to thousands of deaths.
Recently, Duterte initially cited health reasons for being unable to attend the hearing but assured lawmakers that he would be present after November 1. However, in a follow-up letter through his lawyer, Atty. Martin Delgra III, the former president claimed that his appearance was “no longer necessary,” questioning the intentions of the quad-committee.
“The committee is willing to help in any way possible. We’re all ready to contribute personally if that’s what it takes. This is about accountability, not excuses,” Rep. Fernandez said.
The quad-committee members stressed that their offer to fund Duterte’s expenses demonstrates their commitment to a transparent investigation.
(AAD)
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