Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a striking survey conducted by Pulse Asia, 61% of Filipinos expressed their support for the House Quad Committee’s (quad comm) investigation into extrajudicial killings (EJKs), illegal drugs, and the controversial operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). The inquiry sheds light on issues tied to the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who spearheaded a polarizing war on drugs during his tenure.
The quad comm, a coalition of four House committees—Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—has made headlines with its findings, including alleged human rights violations and a purported "reward system" for neutralizing drug suspects. The House formally adopted the quad comm’s December 2024 recommendation to pursue criminal charges against Duterte and his key allies.
Filipinos Demand Accountability
Pulse Asia's study, conducted between November 26 and December 3, 2024, reveals a divided yet leaning consensus:
61% support the quad comm investigation.
24% remain undecided about its outcomes.
11% oppose the inquiry.
The National Capital Region leads with 73% support, while Duterte's stronghold in Mindanao showed the lowest at 46%, coupled with the highest rate of indecision at 30%. The survey also highlighted disparities across socioeconomic classes, with support highest in Classes ABC (64%) and lowest in Class E (52%).
Quad Comm's Findings: A Call for Justice
The quad comm’s hearings unearthed shocking admissions, including a "reward system" incentivizing extrajudicial killings. In a chilling statement, Duterte admitted to encouraging police to provoke resistance from suspects to justify their deaths. The House panel has recommended crimes against humanity charges against Duterte and other prominent figures, such as Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go, alongside former police chiefs and officials allegedly tied to EJKs and POGO-linked crimes.
Beyond individual accountability, 37% of Filipinos expect the investigation to identify government officials responsible for these issues. Others hope for legislative reforms (27%) or the prosecution and conviction of perpetrators (11%).
Human Rights Groups Laud Efforts
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and victims' advocacy groups welcomed the quad comm's recommendations, calling them long overdue. “True justice requires sustainable and humane solutions,” CHR noted in a statement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a cautious stance, urging the Department of Justice to assess the quad comm's recommendations based on available evidence.
AFP Background Checks Aim to Secure 2025 Elections
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 midterm elections are in full swing. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has announced background checks on all candidates to curb foreign influence and protect national security. This move is part of a broader effort by the AFP, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure fair and secure polls.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. explained that intelligence operations aim to flag candidates with questionable ties. “If we find red flags, we will inform the Comelec,” Brawner said, emphasizing collaboration with the PNP to address threats of foreign funding or disinformation campaigns.
Safeguarding Democracy
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia assured the public of the robustness of the country’s automated counting machines, describing them as “hack-proof.” Each machine operates as a standalone unit with no reception capabilities, printing election returns before transmitting results. Transparency measures include manual verification of votes at the precinct level, ensuring public confidence.
To counter the risks posed by AI-driven misinformation, the Comelec is enlisting the help of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and the National Bureau of Investigation.
A Crossroads for Justice and Democracy
As the quad comm investigation progresses and the 2025 elections approach, the Philippines finds itself at a critical juncture. Calls for accountability for past abuses intersect with efforts to safeguard the integrity of future democratic processes. The stakes are high, with Filipinos demanding both justice for human rights violations and a clean, transparent electoral system.
This ongoing narrative reflects a nation's quest for accountability, fairness, and progress—foundations essential to rebuilding trust in its institutions and leadership.
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