Leaders of the House Quad Comm welcomed the results of a nationwide survey showing that majority of Filipinos support their efforts to uncover the truth and hold those involved in illegal activities accountable.
The poll, conducted by Pulse Asia survey from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3, 2024, revealed that 61 percent of Filipinos favor the investigation of the mega-panel into links among illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), illicit drug trade, land grabbing by some Chinese nationals, and the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) associated with the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.
“This is a clear mandate from the people to pursue justice and expose the truth behind these systemic abuses. We will not waver in our mission to hold powerful offenders accountable,” said Quad Comm lead chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Quad Comm co-chairs Dan Fernandez of Laguna, Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod Party-list, and Bienvenido Abante of Manila, and Quad Comm senior vice chairman Romeo Acop of Antipolo.
They said the latest Pulse Asia survey reflects the public’s confidence in the work of the Quad Comm.
“This overwhelming support from the Filipino people strengthens our resolve to go after those responsible for these systemic abuses. The people demand justice, and we will not back down,” they said in a House press release Jan. 10.
They described the public’s approval as a strong mandate for the joint panel to continue its quest for truth and accountability.
The joint panel—composed of the committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—has revealed alarming links among EJKs, drug syndicates, and illegal POGO operations, including allegations of money laundering, tax evasion, and human trafficking.
The Pulse Asia survey indicates particularly strong support from respondents in the National Capital Region at 73 percent and Balance Luzon at 66 percent.
Across socioeconomic classes, support remains robust, with 64 percent of Class ABC, 62 percent of Class D, and 52 percent of Class E favoring the inquiry.
The solons stressed the importance of ensuring that the investigation represents the interests of every Filipino, regardless of location or class. “This is a national issue, and the voices from every region and class validate the urgent need for this probe. Our commitment is to represent them all fairly.” ||
