Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers revealed that former President Rodrigo Duterte may not be summoned again to the Quad Committee hearings in Congress.
In an interview, Barbers noted that Duterte had already spent over 13 hours testifying, disclosing key details, including those previously presented in Senate inquiries. “There’s no need to call him back,” Barbers said, emphasizing that the committee has gathered enough information from Duterte’s testimony.
The Quad Committee is set to resume its investigation this Thursday, focusing on issues tied to illegal drugs and extrajudicial killings (EJK). According to Barbers, while the list of resource persons is still being finalized, individuals like Mark Taguba and Jimmy Guban, who haven’t been extensively questioned, may be called. Additionally, Representative Ernix Dionisio reportedly plans to present a witness on the EJK issue. However, the witness must first submit an affidavit and pass the committee’s vetting process.
Barbers acknowledged that the hearings might impact ongoing impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The revelations highlight growing tensions surrounding high-profile cases and the involvement of powerful figures, with the focus shifting to previously unheard testimonies and allegations of systemic abuse.
