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SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ HIGHLIGHTS PH PROGRESS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNDER PBBM IN IPU

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has showcased before the international community the country’s progress in the areas of science, technology and innovation under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

Speaking at the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday (Switzerland time), Speaker Romualdez said the President and Congress have been taking steps to promote science, technology, and innovation to sustain the nation’s development.

In line with the legislative priorities of President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez said the National Innovation Council was created “to ensure that innovation is embedded as a key priority in our country's pathway to socio-economic development.”

He said the council, chaired by the President, administers a 10-year policy vision, goals, and strategies, collectively referred to as the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document.

The document contains the Philippines’ vision and long-term goals for innovation and a road map of the strategies for improving innovation governance, deepening and accelerating innovation efforts, and integrating and fostering public-private partnerships, mindful of the policy of "leaving no Filipino behind,” he said.

The House leader, who heads the Philippine delegation to the IPU Assembly, informed his fellow lawmakers and parliamentarians from all over the world that the Philippine Congress, in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, has enacted several measures to improve innovation governance in the country.

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He specifically mentioned three laws: Republic Act No. 11293, also known as the “Philippine Innovation Act;” Republic Act No. 11927, or the “Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act;” and Republic Act No. 10055, or the “Technology Transfer Act of 2009.”

Speaker Romualdez said the initiatives taken by the President and measures enacted by Congress have “borne dividends for our country.”

He said in the 2024 Global Innovation Index of the World Property Organization, which measures the innovation-based performance of 130-plus economies, the Philippines rose in the ranking from 59th in 2023 to 56th place this year.

In the same report, the Philippines was recognized as one of the decade's top innovation performers, having achieved its highest rank at 50th place in 2020 during the global pandemic, he said.

He explained the laws he mentioned to enhance science, technology and innovation.

The Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act aims to address gaps in digital technology and skills by providing programs that equip Filipinos with the necessary competencies for the global labor market.

The law ensures support for the digital workforce through co-working facilities and loans with concessional terms.

It also allows for public-private partnerships to plan and implement training, skills development and certification programs for digital careers.

The Technology Transfer Act seeks to promote and facilitate the transfer and commercialization of intellectual property, technology and knowledge resulting from research and development programs funded by the government for the benefit of the Philippine economy.

Under the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan, the government has emphasized the importance of innovation in achieving deep socioeconomic transformation.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched PAGTANAW 2050, the first DOST-funded inter-disciplinal and trans-disciplinal project on a Philippine-focused Science Technology Innovation Foresight and Strategic Plan.

The plan is a compendium of science, technology and innovation mega trends, global and national societal goals, trans-disciplinary operation areas, and current and emerging technologies relevant to the nation's development that is firmly grounded in the aspirations of Filipinos.

“With all these legislation, policies and programs, in terms of innovation governance, the Philippines’ Global Innovation Index has been increasing over the last decade. In fact, the Philippines is recognized as one of the middle-income economies with the fastest innovation catch up,” Speaker Romualdez told his IPU audience.

He emphasized the importance of science, technology and innovation in addressing development issues developed and developing nations are facing.

“The complementary, interdependent nature of these three different concepts means that they must be considered as one: together. Science, technology and innovation serve as our guiding lights of hope,” he said.

“They are our tools in addressing some of the most pressing issues we have today. They support us in achieving our sustainable development goals and in shaping future peace. They hold vast potentials to form and drive global solutions to the world's problems,” he said.

They are also “key drivers that enable and accelerate the global transformation towards prosperous, inclusive and environmentally sustainable economies in developing and developed countries alike. They are the pillars of sustainable development,” the House leader added.

“They have the strong potential to contribute to the achievement of almost all the sustainable development goals. They are the heart of international cooperation and global partnerships for development,” he stressed.

The Philippine Speaker called for global cooperation to attain the world’s common goals.

“As we continue to work for our respective nations’ sustainable development ambitions, we need as well to work hand in hand to achieve our common global goals. Let me then urge each one of us to foster collaboration, equity and responsibility. It is through this collaboration that we can harness the technological tools to be able to build a future not only more sustainable but more peaceful,” he said.

He urged his colleagues to “take advantage of this potential of science technology and innovation and utilize them fully and responsibly to be able to address the challenges in these modern times.”

“Let us ensure that innovations and technological advancements are accessible to all. Let us unite together and continue to cooperate for the betterment of the world we live in,” he said.

The five-day IPU conference focuses on the theme, “Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future.” (END)

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ROMUALDEZ WELCOMES SECRETARY BLINKEN'S STATEMENT ON CHINA'S ACTIONS IN DISPUTED AREAS

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez greets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken when they met at the 12th ASEAN-US Summit during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos Friday (Oct. 11, 2024). In his speech, Secretary Blinken pledged the US will continue to uphold freedom of navigation amid China’s "increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions in the South and East China Seas."

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Speaker commends PBBM for resolute defense of PH interests in ASEAN summit, cites diplomatic inroads

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for his resolute advocacy for respect for international law and the rules-based order in the region to promote peace, stability and prosperity for all stakeholders.

He underscored how President Marcos’ proactive diplomacy, focusing the spotlight on the West Philippine Sea situation, during the ASEAN Summit and related summits with the bloc’s dialogue partners, as well as in bilateral meetings with other heads of state in Laos, has garnered international attention and support.

Speaker Romualdez emphasized the significance of President Marcos’ stance, which reinforces the Philippines' commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as essential to regional peace and stability.

"President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s his firm and resolute leadership in advocating for a rules-based international order in the South China Sea deserves our commendation,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.

“His clear and principled stand during the ASEAN Summits and his bilateral discussions with other world leaders highlights the Philippines’ unwavering dedication to safeguarding our territorial integrity and promoting peace in the region," Speaker Romualdez said.

Speaker Romualdez pointed out that President Marcos’ unwavering defense of Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea at the ASEAN Summit has practical and vital significance to the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

“It simple words it means the President wants to ensure our fishermen could catch fish in waters that are rightfully ours without fear from harassment or violent attacks, that our people for generations to come can secure food from the bounty of the sea,” he said.

“It was meant to secure for our nation, our people and our posterity the benefits of the rich mineral and potential oil deposits and other resources in our Exclusive Economic Zone which international law has granted us the right to explore, manage, and exploit.”

He noted that in the past few days, President Marcos took every opportunity to raise the issue of respect for international law and restraint not only in the ASEAN Summit proper but in the bloc’s meeting with dialogue partners such as China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, India and Australia.

The issue of the South China Sea is also expected to be tackled in the ASEAN-US Summit and ASEAN-UN Summits on the last day of the meeting of the ASEAN head of states.

By elevating the issue of maritime disputes within the framework of international law and emphasizing the importance of peaceful dialogue, Romualdez said the President has strengthened the Philippines’ position and rallied ASEAN and other partners to join in efforts for a peaceful and cooperative Southeast Asia.

He cited the “ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for the Future-Ready ASEAN and ASEAN-Centered Regional Architecture” adopted on October 9.

Among others, the leaders of the bloc declared to work together to “maintain and promote stability in the maritime sphere and enhance maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia, including maritime security, maritime safety….through relevant ASEAN-led mechanisms, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.”

"President Marcos’ diplomatic efforts in Laos resonate deeply with our shared goal of regional security. His leadership reinforces our pursuit of peace, security, and cooperation among nations, especially in these times of heightened tensions in the South China Sea," Romualdez added.

The Speaker further expressed confidence that President Marcos' diplomatic engagements will lead to more fruitful partnerships, not only with ASEAN member-states but also with the broader international community.

President Marcos is expected to arrive in the country Friday night after his successful participation in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos. (END)

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Chairman Abante to Roque: Face the music, justice will soon catch up with you

A Quad Comm co-chairman on Friday urged “fugitive” lawyer Harry Roque to surface and face the music, warning him that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with him.

At the start of the joint panel’s eight hearing on extrajudicial killings, illegal Philippine offshore gambling operators (POGO) and other issues, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. said the crimes Quad Comm is investigating “have resulted in the loss of life,” in addition to “financial gain” on the part of those behind such illicit activities.

“I cannot fathom how those who have enriched themselves at the cost of the suffering of others can live with themselves knowing that their fortunes are built on the blood of their fellow citizens; how they can live lavishly knowing that their money is blood money,” he said.

“To these people and to those still in hiding, like Atty. Harry Roque, I say this: Have the courage to face the consequences of your actions. It is better to stand and be judged than to live in the shadow of your wrongdoings,” he said.

Abante warned Roque: “Maniwala po kayo; justice will catch up to you sooner or later. It is not a matter of if, but when. As we have always said, the time of reckoning has come.”

The former spokesman of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been linked to the illegal POGO hub padlocked by the authorities in Porac, Pampanga, and to a house in Benguet rented by a Chinese fugitive and two Chinese POGO workers.

Roque served as counsel for Cassandra Li Ong, owner of the Porac POGO complex who is under House custody.

Quad Comm has cited Roque for contempt for the second time and ordered his arrest, but he chose to go into hiding.

In his opening remarks, Abante, who chairs the committee on human rights, said those behind EJKs, illegal POGOs, illicit drugs, and other unlawful activities have to face the consequences of their actions.

“Mga kababayan, the House of Representatives will not rest until those responsible for these heinous crimes are caught, tried, convicted and punished. We owe this to the victims, their families, and to every citizen who believes in the rule of law,” he said.

“But we will not stop there. We will also ensure that the suffering we have witnessed will not be repeated. We are committed to putting in place safeguards and laws that will prevent such tragedies from happening again,” he said.

“Hindi ito pwede maulit muli. Justice may sometimes be delayed, but it will not be denied. With resolve, we will continue this fight until justice is finally served,” he added.

Abante, who is a pastor, quoted the Bible: "It is joy to the just to do judgment; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

“This passage, my friends, speaks of the righteous path of justice and the inevitable downfall of those who commit wrongdoing. It helps us to remember our duty in this Committee: to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for the violence, corruption, and extrajudicial killings will face the consequences of their actions,” he said.

“To all those who believe they can continue to evade the law, let me borrow the words of the late Mike Enriquez: Hindi namin kayo tatantanan!,” he said.

He told his colleagues that today’s hearing was originally scheduled for October 17 but had to be moved up “because the House of Representatives recognizes that justice cannot wait.”

“The urgency of our work is clear; those responsible for the violence and suffering we have uncovered must be held accountable. We must continue to be resolute in our quest for justice,” he said.

He said he would not stop thinking about the pieces of information the joint panel has gathered and the testimonies given by witnesses.

“We have heard in these hearings shocking examples of unexplained wealth. Houses that cost millions of pesos. Businesses bought and owned by those living on government salaries,” he said.

“These remind me of the line that appears at the beginning of the book by Mario Puzo, the Godfather. Attributed to Honoré de Balzac, the quote is: ‘behind every great fortune there is a crime’,” he added. (END)

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Bill filed penalizing EJKs as heinous crimes, severely punishes guilty state agents, authorities)

A bill that aims to classify extrajudicial killings (EJKs) as heinous crimes and prescribing severe penalties for the commission of such acts has been filed in the House of Representatives filed in a move to promote justice and accountability among state agents and authorities found guilty of such atrocities.

House Bill (HB) No. 10986 or the Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act, is authored by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez, and Quad Committee co-chairmen Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Bienvenido “Benny” Abante, Dan Fernandez, and Stephen Joseph “Caraps” Paduano.

Other authors include Reps. Romeo Acop, Johnny Pimentel, Gerville "Jinky” Luistro, Rodge Gutierrez, Paolo Ortega, Jay Khonghun, and Jonathan Keith Flores.

The measure is based on the findings and recommendations of the Quad Committee investigating EJKs in aid of legislation and aims to provide stringent legal standards to address these crimes and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.

(“Extrajudicial killing or the killing of individuals without judicial proceedings or legal authority, poses a grave threat to the rule of law, democracy and the protection of human rights. These acts bypass established judicial procedures, undermining public trust in the justice system and violating the basic rights to life and due process guaranteed by the Constitution,” said the bill’s explanatory note.

“The lack of accountability for such crimes contributes to a culture of impunity, where perpetrators believe they can act without fear of legal consequences. This bill seeks to explicitly criminalize EJK, ensuring that any individual, regardless of rank or position, who is found guilty of participating in, authorizing, or condoning such acts will face appropriate criminal penalties,” it added.)

Under the proposed measure, extrajudicial killings will be classified as heinous crimes, which means those convicted may face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua without the possibility of parole.

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The law specifies that EJKs refer to unlawful killings carried out by state agents or those acting with the acquiescence or tolerance of state authorities.

“Extrajudicial killing (EJK) refers to any killing other than that imposed by the State pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution on heinous crimes or a deliberate and arbitrary killing of any person not authorized by a previous judgment pronounced by a competent court affording all the judicial guarantees which are recognized as indispensable by civilized peoples,” the bill read.

“It may be committed a public officer, person in authority, agent of a person in authority, or any person who is acting under the actual or apparent authority of the State,” it added.

It also defines “Administrative Negligence,” or the “inaction of any public officer, person in authority or agent of a person in authority to prevent the commission of extrajudicial killing in his area of responsibility.”

“By defining EJK as a specific crime, this bill aims to strengthen the legal framework for investigating, prosecuting, and punishing those responsible for these heinous acts,” the bill read.

The bill outlines that any state agent found guilty of committing an EJK will face life imprisonment.

“The penalty of life imprisonment shall be imposed upon a public officer, person of authority, agent of a person in authority, or any person who is acting under the actual or apparent authority of the State, who commits an extrajudicial killing or who orders the extrajudicial killing,” the bill said.

“Any superior military, police or law enforcement officer or senior government official who issued an order to any lower ranking personnel to commit an extrajudicial killing for whatever purpose shall be equally liable as principals,” it added.

In cases where private individuals are involved but can be proven to have acted under the direction or in concert with state agents, the same penalty will apply.

“The classification of EJK as a heinous crime is a necessary step to restore public confidence in the justice system and uphold the rule of law. It affirms the State’s duty to ensure that all individuals are afforded the protection of law and that justice is served in every case of unlawful killing,” the bill said.

“By adopting this measure, the State not only seeks to provide justice for victims and their families but also to send a clear message that all acts of violence outside legal processes will not be tolerated,” it added.

Also among the salient points of the bill is the provision for reparations for the families of EJK victims.

The proposed measure stipulates that the government will compensate the families of victims as a form of acknowledgment of the injustices they have suffered through the establishment of an Extrajudicial Killing Claims Board. (END)

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Sa pagdinig ng House Quad Committee noong nakaraang Biyernes, tinanong ni Castro si dating General Manager ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Royina Garma tungkol sa umano’y paglabas ng pondo na ginamit para pondohan ang mga extrajudicial killings (EJKs)

“You think iyong pera po ay isang source ng pinagkukuhanan ng rewards ay iyong confidential funds or intelligence funds?” tanong Castro.

Hindi naman direktang kinumpirma ni Garma ang alegasyon, at sinabing, “Ayoko pong mag-speculate po, Your Honor.”

Sa naturang pagdinig ay binasa ni Garma ang kanyang sinumpaang salaysay na tuwirang nag-uugnay kay Duterte sa pagsasagawa ng pambansang kampanya na nagresulta sa mga extrajudicial killings (EJKs) ng mga pinaghihinalaang sangkot sa droga.

Ang sinumpaang salaysay ay hindi lamang nagbunyag ng umano’y reward system na mistulang humikayat sa mga pagpatay, kundi nagbigay rin ng detalye sa umano’y papel nina Duterte at ng kanyang malapit na kaalyadong si Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, sa pangangasiwa at pag-uugnay ng mga operasyon laban sa droga.

Tinutukan ni Castro ang sinasabing daloy ng pondo mula kay Go patungo kay dating Chief Police Col. Edilberto Leonardo ng Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 11, pati na rin sa ibang opisyal ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at mga operatiba mula sa mga ahensya tulad ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at Bureau of Corrections

“So, makikita natin, Mr. Chair, ang driving factor bakit marami po iyong pinatay na mga mahihirap ay dahil may rewards,” ayon kay Castro.

Bagamat kinumpirma ni Garma ang reward system, hindi naman niya tinukoy kung saan nagmumula ang pondo.

Dagdag pa ni Castro, inugnay niya ang mga pangunahing tauhan na malapit kay Duterte, kabilang sina Go at Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, ang unang PNP Chief sa ilalim ni Duterte, na nangasiwa sa daloy ng pondo

“Si Sen. Bong Go at Sen. Ronald Bato ay talagang close kay PRRD,” saad ni Castro.

Itinuro naman ni Garma na si Leonardo na siyang nangangasiwa sa pamamahagi ng pondo para sa pabuya, at sinabing limitado ang kaniyang nalalaman hinggil sa detalye nito.

Sa kanyang interpellation, ipinunto rin ni Castro ang mistulang pamimili ng isasama sa listahan ng mga drug suspect gaya ng hindi paglalagay sa pangalan ng negosyanteng si Michael Yang, habang isinaman naman si Peter Lim, na isa umanong drug lord sa Visayas.

Si Yang, na dati nang nagsilbi bilang economic adviser ni Duterte, ay iniuugnay sa bentahan ng ipinagbabawal na gamot sa Mindanao at sa importasyon ng shabu na nahuli sa Pampanga.

Ang palitan ng impormasyon ay nagpatibay sa akusasyon ni Castro na ang mga confidential at intelligence funds ni Duterte ay maaaring nagbigay-pondo sa reward system na konektado sa mga extrajudicial killings (EJKs) sa kampanya laban sa droga.

Habang hindi tuwirang kinumpirma ni Garma ang koneksyon, ang mga tanong ni Castro ay nagbigay-diin sa mga hinala tungkol sa posibleng maling paggamit ng mga pondo sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Duterte at ang deadly-tactics sa kanyang kampanya laban sa droga

Inamin din ni Garma na maraming opisyal ang nakakaalam tungkol sa daloy ng pondo ngunit takot na magsalita.

“Lahat po sila—lahat po ng officer na nandito po sa loob—alam po nila iyan; public knowledge lang po. Ako lang po ang naglakas loob magsabi,” ayon kay Garma.

Sinabi rin ni Garma sa Quad Committee na naglalaro mula P20,000 hanggang P1 milyon ang pabuya sa mga nakakapatay ng drug suspect, depende sa kahalagahan ng target. (END)

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Quad Comm to trace money trail in Duterte drug war EJKs

Follow the money, find the mastermind.

THIS is the rationale for the next step of the House Quad Committee investigating extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration, as it ramps up efforts to track the money trail allegedly used to incentivize police officers in the bloody war on drugs.

Co-chairs Reps. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. and Dan Fernandez said the mega-panel is seeking assistance from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to track the cash flow tied to these operations.

The move comes after explosive testimony from former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma, who alleged that cash rewards for carrying out EJKs were funneled through the banking system.

Garma, a retired police colonel with close ties to former President Duterte, exposed the reward system behind the killings and detailed the roles of Duterte and his close aide, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, in overseeing the lethal anti-drug operations.

According to Abante, “the Quad Comm will leave no stone unturned. Those who profited from the killings must be held accountable, and the AMLC is key to tracking down these illicit transactions that led to the deaths of innocent civilians.”

Fernandez added that “the use of financial institutions for illegal activities is a serious crime. We will follow every lead to ensure that those responsible face justice.”

The Quad Committee plans to formally request AMLC’s assistance within the week. Lawmakers believe the financial probe will shed light on the full extent of the money trail behind Duterte’s violent anti-drug campaign.

Abante and Fernandez called on police officers who may have received cash rewards to come forward

“Your testimony could be critical to uncovering the truth. This is the time to speak up,” said Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights.

Fernandez, who heads the Committee on Public Order and Safety, assured that those who cooperate will be treated fairly.

“We are giving those involved a chance to help clear the air and ensure justice is served,” he said.

The panels led by Abante and Fernandez, along with the Committees on Dangerous Drugs and Public Accounts, vowed to see the investigation through, stressing that no one is above the law and that all responsible will be held accountable, regardless of rank or station.

The financial probe is a key step in the committee’s investigation into the thousands of deaths during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. By determining the source of the funds and identifying the recipients, the Quad Committee seeks to reveal the financial networks behind the extrajudicial killings, potentially exposing key figures who profited from the violence. This deeper look at financial flows could link high-ranking officials to the operations, uncovering the full extent of accountability in the drug war. (END)

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Castro hints Duterte’s confidential funds may have fueled drug war killings

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro suggested that former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s confidential funds may have financed a cash reward system that incentivized extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his administration’s controversial bloody war on illegal drugs.

In last Friday’s House Quad Committee hearing, Castro pressed former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Royina Garma on the alleged flow of money used to fund the EJKs.

She pointed out that Duterte’s billions of pesos in confidential funds may have been funneled into a reward system that motivated operatives to carry out killings of drug suspects.

“You think iyong pera po ay isang source ng pinagkukuhanan ng rewards ay iyong confidential funds or intelligence funds?” Castro asked.

Garma, hesitant to confirm or speculate, responded, “Ayoko pong mag-speculate po, Your Honor.”

Earlier in the hearing, Garma read her sworn affidavit, directly implicating Duterte in orchestrating a nationwide campaign that led to the EJKs of drug suspects.

The affidavit not only exposed the alleged reward system that incentivized the killings but also detailed the alleged roles of Duterte and his close aide, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, in overseeing and coordinating the anti-drug operations.

Castro focused on the supposed financial flow from Go to former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Region 11 Chief Police Col. Edilberto Leonardo, other Philippine National Police (PNP) officials, and operatives from agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Bureau of Corrections.

“So, makikita natin, Mr. Chair, ang driving factor bakit marami po iyong pinatay na mga mahihirap ay dahil may rewards,” Castro stated.

Garma confirmed the existence of the reward system but did not specify where the funds came from.

Castro further linked key figures close to Duterte, such as Go and Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, the first PNP Chief under Duterte, suggesting they facilitated the flow of money.

“Si Sen. Bong Go at Sen. Ronald Bato ay talagang close kay PRRD,” Castro noted.

Garma, in response, said that Leonardo had handled much of the distribution of funds for the rewards but claimed limited knowledge of the complete picture.

Also during her interpellation, Castro brought up the omission of known Duterte associates such as businessman Michael Yang, while Garma only mentioned Peter Lim, a notorious drug lord in the Visayas.

Yang, who once served as Duterte’s economic adviser, was allegedly involved in drug smuggling in Mindanao.

The exchange bolstered Castro’s claim that Duterte’s confidential and intelligence funds may have fueled a reward system linked to EJKs in the drug war.

While Garma did not directly confirm the connection, Castro’s questions raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds during Duterte’s presidency and the deadly tactics of his anti-drug campaign.

Garma later admitted that many officers knew about the flow of funds but were too afraid to speak out.

“Lahat po sila—lahat po ng officer na nandito po sa loob—alam po nila iyan; public knowledge lang po. Ako lang po ang naglakas loob magsabi,” she said.

Garma also informed the Quad Committee that while she did not know the exact amounts, cash rewards for drug-related killings ranged from P20,000 to P1 million, depending on the target. (END)