QuadComm Hearing Highlights: Accusations of Political Propaganda as 2024 Congressional Candidates Make Appearance
Manila, Philippines – November 13, 2024 — The Quad Committee (QuadComm) hearing held on November 13, 2024, took an unexpected turn as political figures accused of using the platform for election propaganda appeared before Congress. The hearing, which was initially intended to address human rights concerns and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the War on Drugs under former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, saw the participation of congressional aspirants Neri Colmenares, Atty. Kristina Conti, and Atty. Chel Diokno, alongside alleged victims of EJKs.
Accusations of Political Motives
Political analysts and critics have raised concerns that the presence of these guests, all of whom are running for seats in Congress in the upcoming 2025 elections, was a strategic move to boost their visibility. Their appearance at the hearing comes at a crucial time when election campaigns are gaining momentum, leading some to speculate that their involvement is more about political mileage than genuine advocacy for justice.
“These hearings have become a stage for self-promotion,” said one political observer. “If they were truly dedicated to seeking justice for EJK victims, they would have filed formal charges against Duterte long ago, instead of just using rhetoric in public forums.”
Duterte Challenges Critics to File Formal Charges
During the hearing, former President Duterte confronted his critics, challenging them to file formal cases against him if they truly believe he is liable for the deaths that occurred during his administration’s War on Drugs. He expressed his readiness to face any legal action, stating, “If I have committed a crime, file the case. I am willing to face it.”
This bold statement came in response to claims made by Representative Raoul Manuel, who alleged that there are “hundreds of thousands of pieces of evidence” against Duterte. However, despite these assertions, no formal case has been filed against the former president, which has led to skepticism about the sincerity of these allegations.
A Platform for Electioneering?
The QuadComm hearing brought into focus the activities of Colmenares, Conti, and Diokno, who have been vocal critics of Duterte’s policies. However, critics argue that their sudden prominence is part of a coordinated effort by their political allies to increase their recognition among voters. The appearance of alleged EJK victims alongside these candidates was perceived by some as a calculated attempt to portray them as champions of human rights.
“This is nothing but a political circus,” said one critic. “These congressional hopefuls are using the victims as props to gain sympathy and votes. If they were truly committed to justice, why haven’t they taken concrete legal actions against Duterte?”
Political Exploitation of EJK Victims?
Human rights advocates have long pushed for accountability over the alleged abuses during Duterte’s War on Drugs. However, the lack of formal cases against him raises questions about the intentions behind these high-profile public hearings. While Colmenares, Conti, and Diokno have consistently called for justice, their failure to pursue legal cases against Duterte has cast doubt on their commitment.
“The victims of EJKs deserve genuine support, not to be exploited for political gains,” said a human rights advocate who wished to remain anonymous. “If these candidates were serious about helping the victims, they should have used their legal expertise to file cases years ago.”
Conclusion: A Call for Action or Mere Political Theater?
As the 2025 elections approach, the QuadComm hearings appear to have become a battleground for political maneuvering. The involvement of aspiring congressional candidates, under the guise of seeking justice for EJK victims, has sparked debate on whether these hearings are truly about accountability or just a means to sway public opinion.
The challenge now remains for these politicians to prove their sincerity by taking concrete legal actions rather than merely using public platforms to further their political agendas. The victims of the War on Drugs deserve justice, not to be used as pawns in the game of electoral politics.
What’s Next?
With former President Duterte’s open challenge to his critics, the coming weeks could determine whether these political figures will step up and file the long-promised cases. Until then, the public remains divided on whether these hearings are a quest for justice or merely a spectacle for political gain.
Duterte Threatens Legal Action Against Bienvenido Abante and Dan Fernandez for Subornation of Perjury During Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing
Manila, Philippines – November 13, 2024 — In a heated session of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced his intent to file legal charges against House Representatives Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. and Dan Fernandez for allegedly committing subornation of perjury. The accusation was made during a high-profile inquiry focused on allegations of corruption and human rights violations linked to the previous administration’s controversial War on Drugs.
Allegations of Subornation of Perjury
During the hearing, Duterte claimed that both Abante and Fernandez had unlawfully influenced witnesses to provide false testimonies aimed at implicating him in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and other abuses during his term as President. Subornation of perjury, a serious offense under Philippine law, involves persuading someone to commit perjury by making false statements under oath.
“I will not let this pass,” Duterte declared. “I am ready to face any accusations, but I will not allow these congressmen to manipulate the truth by coercing witnesses into lying against me. I will file a case against them for subornation of perjury.”
Context of the Blue Ribbon Committee Hearing
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing was convened to investigate the alleged human rights violations and misuse of government resources during Duterte’s administration. The session saw heated exchanges between Duterte and lawmakers, particularly those aligned with the opposition. Duterte, who has consistently denied involvement in any unlawful activities related to his anti-drug campaign, used the platform to counter accusations and challenge his critics.
Duterte’s Counteroffensive
Duterte’s threat to file charges comes as a counteroffensive against mounting allegations of extrajudicial killings under his regime. His announcement serves as a bold assertion of his willingness to defend his record, especially as the 2025 elections approach. Duterte’s legal team is expected to prepare formal complaints against Abante and Fernandez in the coming days.
“I am not afraid to face the law. If they believe they have evidence against me, they should present it in court, not fabricate stories to tarnish my name,” Duterte added during his testimony.
Reactions from Lawmakers and the Public
The accusations against Representatives Abante and Fernandez have sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers and the public. Supporters of Duterte have praised his decision to take legal action, viewing it as a move to uphold his integrity against what they consider politically motivated attacks. On the other hand, critics argue that Duterte’s legal threats are an attempt to silence his adversaries and deflect attention from the human rights abuses attributed to his administration.
Representative Bienvenido Abante, a known critic of Duterte’s drug war, responded to the former president’s allegations by calling them baseless and an attempt to intimidate opposition figures. “These are mere distractions. We will not be deterred in our pursuit of truth and justice,” Abante stated in a press release following the hearing.
Meanwhile, Representative Dan Fernandez has yet to issue an official statement regarding Duterte’s accusations.
Implications for the 2025 Elections
As the 2025 national elections draw near, this latest development adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political climate. Duterte’s move to file charges against sitting congressmen could be seen as a strategy to discredit his opponents and solidify his influence in the political arena.
Political analysts suggest that Duterte’s aggressive stance might be aimed at galvanizing support from his base while discrediting opposition leaders. The unfolding legal battle could significantly impact the upcoming elections, especially as both sides leverage their narratives to gain public favor.
Legal and Political Ramifications
If Duterte proceeds with his plan to file charges for subornation of perjury, the legal process could open a new chapter in the ongoing conflict between Duterte and his critics. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how perjury and false testimonies are handled in political hearings, potentially reshaping the landscape of legislative inquiries in the Philippines.
As the nation watches closely, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Duterte’s allegations will translate into formal charges and how this will affect the broader political discourse leading up to the 2025 elections.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.