Thursday, October 3, 2024

RPPe Speaker Romualdez condemns ambush-slaying of Bulacan official and his driver, calls for swift justice


SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday strongly condemned the ambush-slaying Thursday evening of Bulacan Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and ABC President Ramilito Capistrano, and his driver Shedrick Suarez, in Malolos City.


“We condemn in the strongest term possible the ambush that killed Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and ABC President Capistrano and his driver Suarez,” Speaker Romualdez said.


He expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the Bulacan community. 


“We extend our condolences to the families of SP Capistrano and Suarez, Barangay Caingin of San Rafael municipality, and the people of Bulacan,” he said. 


Speaker Romualdez also emphasized the need for immediate action from all concerned authorities. 


“We join the representatives from Bulacan and the Bulacan provincial government led by Gov. Daniel Fernando in pressing all our law enforcement agencies and authorities to investigate and apprehend the perpetrators quickly. Justice should be served,” Speaker Romualdez said. 


He urged the public to remain calm and assist law enforcement in their investigation.


“At the same time, we call on our people to stay calm and cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation,” Speaker Romualdez concluded. (END)

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RPPe House to continue helping PBBM keep food prices down - Speaker Romualdez


SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday vowed that the House of Representatives would continue helping President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in ensuring that food products are accessible and affordable. 


The leader of the 300-plus-strong House made the commitment in reaction to the report of the Philippine Statistics Authority that inflation last month eased to 1.9 percent from 3.3 percent in August and 4.4 percent in July.


The September rate was the lowest in four years.


“The intervention measures taken by the government under the leadership of President Marcos Jr. are now yielding positive results,” Speaker Romualdez said.


He specifically cited the President’s decision to drastically cut the rice import tariff from 35 percent to just 15 percent, and the direct sale of rice to the public through Kadiwa stores.


“These twin steps have significantly reduced the retail price of rice, from above P50-P60 per kilo to P40-P42 per kilo, or by at least 20 percent,” Speaker Romualdez said.


The lawmaker from Leyte also made mention of the President's flagship program - the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) and Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families (PAFFF) - that has visited 24 places all over the Philippines, granting more than P10 billion in government services and cash aid that benefited over 2.5 million Filipino families. 


"Aside from the cash aid distributed in BPSFs, which will definitely boost the spending power of the people and stimulate the local economy, the services offered here like employment requirements help citizens get jobs or seek livelihood," Speaker Romualdez said. 


"Meron itong multiplier effect para sa ating bansa. When people have jobs and livelihood, it benefits not only the local economy but that of the whole country's as well," he added. 


Speaker Romualdez said he hoped inflation would continue falling, or at least remain at the lower end of the government’s 2024 target of 2-4 percent.


The House leader said his chamber would contribute to the fulfillment of this wish by exercising its oversight power through the five-committee panel it has created to look into reports of smuggling, hoarding, price manipulation, and other practices in restraint of trade.


He said that the joint panel would also check on the enforcement of the recently signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.


The law aims to make food items more affordable and make life better for farmers, the Speaker said. (END)

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RPPe Speaker Romualdez urges voters: Let’s prevent another Alice Guo thru discernment, perpetual vigilance 

 

IT is very crucial for the 67 million Filipino voters to “practice discernment” and exercise “perpetual vigilance” in choosing candidates for next year’s mid-term elections, or suffer the consequences of more “Alice Guos” in the country’s electoral system. 

 

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez raised this dire warning in light of the period given by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for all candidates, both in the national and local levels, to file their certificates of candidacy for the May 2025 senatorial and synchronized local polls. 

 

“To the Filipino voters, I encourage you to exercise your right with discernment. Your role is crucial in this process. By remaining vigilant, we ensure a future where our leaders uphold the values of integrity, competence, and a commitment to the well-being of our nation,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

 

The leader of the House of Representatives cited the classic case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo – a certified Chinese national – should be a constant and “significant reminder” to everyone to “practice increased vigilance” or face similar embarrassing consequences. 

 

“The recent disqualification of Guo is a significant reminder of our challenges in ensuring that only qualified individuals are elected to public office. The Comelec is crucial in accepting candidacy applications,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

 

Speaker Romualdez appealed to the Comelec under the leadership of Chairman George Garcia that while the processing of COCs may be “ministerial” in nature, it is still important that they make sure to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. 

 

“We must use available legal measures, such as disqualification petitions, to address any issues that arise,” the Leyte First District House leader emphasized. 

 

“The law provides transparent processes for challenging unqualified candidates, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these mechanisms are used appropriately to maintain public trust,” Speaker Romualdez, president of the ruling Lakas-CMD party, reiterated.

 

“Each applicant’s qualifications must be rigorously reviewed to ensure they meet the necessary legal requirements. The integrity of our electoral system relies heavily on the credibility of those who seek to hold public office,” the lawyer-legislator declared.

 

“Please get to know the candidates, verify their qualifications, and proactively question any doubts that may arise. We all share the responsibility of safeguarding our democracy, and by working together, we can prevent any recurrence of past issues,” Speaker Romualdez added.

 

“Together, let us build a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the Filipino people - one that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to genuine public service,” he said, noting that voters should always bear in mind that by choosing right, we get the government we deserve. (END)

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RPPe Speaker vows higher pay, more benefits for teachers, add’l classrooms and equipment

 

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assured the country’s nearly 1 million public school teachers that the House of Representatives will pay specific and more attention to their plight, particularly in terms of salaries and benefits, as well as additional classrooms and equipment such as computers. 

 

“In all of the challenges that you face, we in Congress must stress that we will not waver in our promise to give you (in the Department of Education) our continued support in your programs, not just for the laws that we pass, but for the betterment of our teachers as well,” he said. 

 

“And this includes higher pay, more benefits, which should extend to more opportunities for training and progress of everyone,” the leader of the more than 300 members of the House declared during the culminating celebration of “2024 National Teacher’s Month.”  

 

In a speech he delivered at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, the Speaker vowed that the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., with the help of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, will not be making promises it cannot keep. 


"Nagbubulungan kami ni Secretary Angara kanina at kinunsulta ko ang chairman of Appropriations (Committee) ng House, at sisiguraduhin natin na magdadagdag tayo ng mga classroom buildings at mga equipment, kagaya ng laptops at computers," Speaker Romualdez noted. 


His announcement was met by cheers from the teachers and Department of Education officials attending the ceremony. 

 

“Our promise will definitely not end up as mere lip service. The administration of President Marcos will make sure that you are equipped with all the necessary tools that will advance your chosen career, but will also ultimately redound to the benefit of our future leaders,” Speaker Romualdez asserted. 

 

“We salute our teachers who have made sacrifices beyond their limits, who always go out of their way to help our students learn so that they will be fully prepared for the realities and struggles of life the moment they enter our labor force,” the House chief added. 

 

“Your devotion and dedication, not to mention your passion, to work is beyond question. And we are all grateful for that. You have made it your vow to nourish our children into making them productive citizens of our progressing society,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

 

“As we always say, education is the foundation of everyone’s success, and for which this administration will vigorously pursue in our ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ theme. And you as teachers, being pillars of our education system, will be there as guiding light for our youth,” he said. 

 

As he reminisced about his school days, the Speaker said one lesson he learned from one of his teachers was that no matter how difficult the situation is, there will always be ways to overcome these challenges, which will ultimately lead to success. 

 

“This is one lesson we in Congress, and the government in general, have always been mindful of. And I’m sure these are also the lessons that you try to inculcate to your students day in and day out,” the administration stalwart, who sits as president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party, stressed. 

 

“With the theme ‘Together4Teachers’, let us celebrate this very important day as another milestone in nation-building. Always remember that the lessons you impart are not limited to the four corners of the classroom, but will also extend to molding the character of our future leaders,” he said. (END)

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RPPe Speaker Romualdez vows higher pay, more benefits for teachers, additional classrooms and equipment

 

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assured the country’s nearly one million public school teachers today that the House of Representatives will pay specific and more attention to their plight , particularly in terms of salaries and benefits, as well as additional classrooms and equipment such as computers. 

 

“In all of the challenges that you face, we in Congress must stress that we will not waver in our promise to give you (in the Department of Education) our continued support in your programs, not just for the laws that we pass, but for the betterment of our teachers as well,” he said. 

 

“And this includes higher pay, more benefits, which should extend to more opportunities for training and progress of everyone,” the leader of the more than 300 members of the House declared during the culminating celebration of “2024 National Teacher’s Month.”  

 

In a speech he delivered at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, the Speaker vowed that the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., with the help of Education Sec. Sonny Angara, will not be making promises it cannot keep. 


"Nag-usap kami ni Secretary Angara kanina at kinunsulta ko ang chairman of Appropriations (Committee) ng House, at sisiguraduhin natin na magdadagdag tayo ng mga classroom buildings at mga equipment, kagaya ng laptops at computers," Speaker Romualdez noted. 


His annoucement was met by cheers from the teachers and Department of Education officials attending the ceremony. 

 

“Our promise will definitely not end up as mere lip service. The administration of President Marcos will make sure that you are equipped with all the necessary tools that will advance your chosen career, but will also ultimately redound to the benefit of our future leaders,” Speaker Romualdez asserted. 

 

“We salute our teachers who have made sacrifices beyond their limits, who always go out of their way to help our students learn so that they will be fully prepared for the realities and struggles of life the moment they enter our labor force,” the House chief added. 

 

“Your devotion and dedication, not to mention your passion, to work is beyond question. And we are all grateful for that. You have made it your vow to nourish our children into making them productive citizens of our progressing society,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

 

“As we always say, education is the foundation of everyone’s success, and for which this administration will vigorously pursue in our ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ theme. And you as teachers, being pillars of our education system, will be there as guiding light for our youth,” he said. 

 

As he reminisced about his school days, the Speaker said one lesson he learned from one of his teachers was that no matter how difficult the situation is, there will always be ways to overcome these challenges, which will ultimately lead to success. 

 

“This is one lesson we in Congress, and the government in general, have always been mindful of. And I’m sure these are also the lessons that you try to inculcate to your students day in and day out,” the administration stalwart, who sits as president of the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party, stressed. 

 

“With the theme ‘Together4Teachers’, let us celebrate this very important day as another milestone in nation-building. Always remember that the lessons you impart are not limited to the four corners of the classroom, but will also extend to molding the character of our future leaders,” he said. (END)


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RPPe Sufficient funding for expanded Centenarian’s Act a must, says Speaker Romualdez on Elderly Filipino Week 


SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday supported calls for sufficient funding of the amended Centenarian’s Act, which now extends a cash gift worth P10,000 to senior citizens who reach the milestone ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95. 


Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus members House of Representatives, had this to say amid the country’s celebration of Elderly Filipino Week this first week of October. 


"I welcome the recent approval of amendments to the Centenarian’s Act under Republic Act (RA) 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they truly deserve," he said. 


"During this celebration of Elderly Week, let's take the opportunity to align the legislature and executives' objectives in getting the funding needed to roll out the additional benefits for our beloved seniors," said Speaker Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president. 


House Committee on Senior Citizens chairman and Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes recently proposed meeting the law's funding requirement. 


Romualdez said he "fully supports" these suggestions from the elderly solon. 


"I agree that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should consider sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA)," said the House chief. 


"Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible," noted Speaker Romualdez.  


"Furthermore, I endorse the call to clarify the implementation of this law, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication," he said. 


Speaker Romualdez said it is crucial that these particular seniors are not left behind and that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are clear and comprehensive in ensuring that all eligible seniors receive their entitlements within the prescribed time frame. 


"As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I will continue to champion legislative measures that promote the welfare of our senior citizens and work closely with our colleagues to ensure swift and efficient implementation of this law," he said. 


"Our elders deserve nothing less than our utmost care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are duly honored," the Leyte 1st district congressman said. (END)


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RPPe Sufficient funding for expanded Centenarian’s Act a must, says Speaker Romualdez on Elderly Filipino Week 


SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday supported calls for sufficient funding of the amended Centenarian’s Act, which now extends a cash gift worth P10,000 to senior citizens who reach the ages milestones of 80, 85, 90, and 95. 


Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, had this to say amid the country’s celebration of Elderly Filipino Week this first week of October. 


"I welcome the recent approval of amendments to the Centenarian’s Act under Republic Act (RA) 11982. This is a significant step in ensuring that our elders, who have dedicated their lives to their families and communities, receive the recognition and care they truly deserve," Speaker Romualdez said. 


"During this celebration of Elderly Week, let's take the opportunity to align the legislature and executives' objectives in getting the funding needed to roll out the additional benefits for our beloved seniors," said Speaker Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president. 


House Committee on Senior Citizens Chairman and Senior Citizens Partylist Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes recently proposed meeting the law's funding requirement. 


Speaker Romualdez said he "fully supports" these suggestions from the elderly solon. 


"I agree that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) should consider sourcing the necessary funds either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) savings or from the Unprogrammed Funds of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA)," said the House chief. 


"Given the relatively modest amount required and the urgency of delivering this benefit, tapping into these existing resources is both practical and feasible," noted Speaker Romualdez.  


"Furthermore, I endorse the call to clarify the implementation of this law, particularly for those senior citizens whose birthdays fall between the date of the law’s passage and its publication," he said. 


Speaker Romualdez said it is crucial that these particular seniors are not left behind and that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) are clear and comprehensive in ensuring that all eligible seniors receive their entitlements within the prescribed time frame. 


"As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I will continue to champion legislative measures that promote the welfare of our senior citizens and work closely with our colleagues to ensure swift and efficient implementation of this law," he said. 


"Our elders deserve nothing less than our utmost care and respect, and we will make sure that their contributions to our nation are duly honored," the Leyte 1st district congressman said. (END)


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RPPe SDS Gonzales: VP’s ratings to plummet further for evading questions on questionable use of funds 

VP Sara is the biggest survey loser


VICE President Sara Duterte’s performance, trust and approval ratings, will continue to plummet as she continues to evade questions about the alleged misuse and abuse of funds during her stint as Education Secretary and her own Office of the Vice President (OVP).


This was the fearless forecast of Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. as VP Duterte’s trust ratings plummeted by about 22% from March 2023, when she registered a high trust rating of 83% that is now down to 61% in September 2024, according to the latest Pulse Asia Survey.


Gonzales said this is because of VP Duterte’s alleged refusal to exercise accountability befitting her office, asserting that this is a key factor contributing to the significant drop in her approval and trust ratings in recent surveys.


“Hindi natin ikinakagulat ang patuloy na pagbaba ng ratings ni VP Duterte, lalo na’t hindi siya nagbibigay ng paliwanag ukol sa paggamit ng pondo ng OVP at DepEd. Pera ng bayan ang pinag-uusapan dito, kaya’t obligasyon niyang ipaliwanag ang mga kinukuwestiyong hindi tamang paggugol ng pondo,” Gonzales said.


Recent Pulse Asia surveys indicate Duterte was the biggest survey loser after a steep decline in her approval and trust ratings, with her approval rating falling by nine percentage points from 69% in June to 60% in September, and her trust rating dropping by 10 percentage points from 71% to 61% over the same period.


"People expect public officials to be transparent in the use of government funds. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka na bumabagsak ang kanyang ratings dahil sa kanyang patuloy na pag-iwas sa mga tanong tungkol sa pondong ito," Gonzales added.


“At sa pakiwari ko, bababa pa ito. Galit ang tao sa hindi tamang paggasta ng pampublikong pondo, lalong-lalo na’t hindi siya humaharap sa pagdinig ng Kongreso para ipaliwanag ang mga nakitang irregularidad,” Gonzales said. 


Findings from the Commission on Audit (COA) that revealed troubling discrepancies in the handling of CIF under Duterte's leadership. In the fourth quarter of 2022, COA disallowed P73 million out of the P125 million CIF allocated to the OVP. 


Moreover, for the first three quarters of 2023, COA flagged at least P164 million out of the P375 million in CIF disbursed by Duterte’s office that is the subject of audit observation memorandum (AOM).


“Hindi lamang isang beses ang nakita nating paglabag, kundi tila paulit-ulit na pattern ng posibleng pang-aabuso sa paggamit ng confidential funds. Ang P73 million na hindi pinahintulutan noong 2022 ay naulit ulit sa 2023,” said Gonzales, pointing to what he described as a consistent alleged misuse of government funds.


He also criticized Duterte’s handling of DepEd’s budget during her tenure as education secretary, particularly issues concerning school-based feeding programs and procurement of computers. 


COA has flagged the delivery of spoiled milk and nutribuns to public schools and unacceptable delays in the procurement of essential school equipment, further raising concerns about her administration’s efficiency and transparency.


“Ang mga kabataan at estudyante ang direktang naapektuhan ng mga aberya sa DepEd, lalo na’t mga maselang proyekto tulad ng feeding program at school supplies ang pinag-uusapan dito. Hindi maaaring balewalain ang mga isyung ito dahil may mga buhay at kinabukasan ang nakataya,” Gonzales added.


He further emphasized that the issue is not just about the alleged mishandling of funds but also about Duterte’s overall refusal to be held accountable, which, in his view, continues to damage her public image.


“Kailangan nating ipakita na walang sinuman ang nakatataas sa batas. Kailangang humarap siya at sagutin ang mga tanong ng publiko, lalo na’t ito ay may kinalaman sa pondo ng bayan,” he concluded. (END)


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RPPe Quad Comm to Roque: ‘Sumuko ka na!’ ‘Hindi na ito ang panahon para magpalusot.’


THE House Quad Comm on Tuesday called on former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to surrender to the panel after the Supreme Court (SC) voided his only legal recourse against the committee's detention order.


Sta Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers made the call following the SC’s denial of Roque's, the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) person-of-interest, petition for a writ of amparo, a protective writ he applied to escape detention as the Quad Comm investigates his involvement in the illegal activities of POGOs.


Fernandez, who chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, said, “Sumuko ka na, Atty. Roque,” saying the latter’s attempts to evade justice and avoid accountability through legal maneuvers have become futile.


"Hindi na ito ang panahon para magpalusot. Atty. Roque should face the music and answer the allegations in the proper forum. Ang batas ang dapat manaig. Hindi dapat itago ni Roque ang kanyang sarili sa likod ng mga technicalities o mga writ na wala namang basehan,” Fernandez said, stressing that Roque’s rights have not been violated as the Supreme Court itself confirmed.


Barbers, the overall chair of the Quad Comm, urged Roque to heed the rule of law and cooperate with the ongoing investigation, which has uncovered alarming connections between POGOs and other illicit activities, including illegal drug syndicates and extrajudicial killings. 


"The Quad Committee is uncovering layers of criminal activities tied to POGOs, and we need full transparency from everyone involved," Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said. 


"Kung walang itinatago si Atty. Roque, bakit siya nagtatago? The public deserves to know the truth,” Barbers added.


The Quad Comm is investigating the links between POGO, the proliferation of the illicit drug trade, land grabbing by certain Chinese nationals, and the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with the Duterte administration’s brutal war on drugs.


Other Quad Comm co-chairs are Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights, and Abang Lingkod Partylist Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano, who chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts. 


Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop is the vice chair of all four panels and the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation.


The SC decision, handed down on October 1, clarified that the writ of amparo is intended for cases of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances, situations that do not apply in Roque’s case. 


In light of Roque’s repeated attempts to deflect accountability, Fernandez stressed the need for individuals in positions of power or influence to set a good example. 


“Nakakabahala na sa halip na mag-cooperate, ang ginagawa ng iba ay palaging tinatakbuhan ang kanilang mga pananagutan. The wheels of justice are turning, and no amount of legal gymnastics will protect those complicit in these crimes,” Fernandez stressed.


Barbers also encouraged Roque to respect the legal process rather than resort to actions that sow confusion among the public. 


"If he believes he is innocent, he should welcome the opportunity to clear his name in a proper legal forum. Trying to escape through technicalities only raises more suspicions,” Barbers said. 


“This investigation is not just about POGOs; it’s about dismantling a complex web of criminality that threatens our society,” Barbers stated. (END)

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RPPe Quadcom lead chair Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers’

reaction on Barayuga family's statement



Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, overall chair of the Lower House’s Quad Committee today assured the family of Ret. Police Gen. Wesley A. Barayuga that the panel would leave no stone unturned to resolve his case and put behind bars the masterminds and perpetrators of his murder four years ago. 


Barbers, who also chairs the House Dangerous Drugs Committee, also thanked Wesley’s family led by his wife, Sarah, for placing the family’s trust to the Quadcom panel’s legislative inquiry - for reopening and reinvestigating his case with new witnesses who could shed light behind the plot to liquidate him. 


“Aming ipinapangako sa pamilya ni Wesley Barayuga na gagawin namin ang lahat upang mapanagot at maparusahan ang mga taong nasa likod ng kanyang pagpaslang,” the solon from Mindanao said. 


The Barayuga family assailed the masterminds in Wesley’s murder for even linking him to illegal drugs “to justify” his killing and cover their tracks. 


“Sa huling apat na taon, inupuan ang kaso at pinaasa ang aming pamilya na may ginagawa sila ukol dito. At this point, it is difficult to trust and put our hopes up,” the Barayuga family statement said. “This (Quadcom investigation) gives us comfort even while we know that we are still far from receiving justice.” 


Wesley, a lawyer, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983 and board secretary of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) at the time of his death, was on his way home from his PCSO office at Shaw Boulevard at about 4pm of July 30, 2020 when he was shot four times at close range by one of two gunmen aboard separate motorbikes at the corner of Calbayog and Malinaw Streets in Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City while traffic was at a standstill. His driver, who was hit once in the stomach, survived the incident.


During Quadcom’s 7th hearing held at the Lower House in Quezon City, active-duty Police Lt. Col. Santie Fuentes Mendoza, presently assigned with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit, and his civilian anti-drug “asset” Nelson Mariano both testified that former PCSO general manager Royina Garma and Napolcom Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo have planned and funded the July 30, 2020 assassination of Barayuga.  


The House leadership led by Speaker Martin Romualdez of Leyte created the Quadcom, the first of its kind in the chamber’s history, to unite four House panels – Dangerous Drugs panel led by Barbers, Human Rights led by Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante, Public Order and Safety chaired by Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano and Public Accounts chaired by Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez– because they are separately conducting investigations on POGOs, EJKs and illegal drugs with same resource persons and with similar or interrelated subjects. (30)

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