Close to 10 people in POGO, drug war probe may face charges - House committees

Metro Manila, Philippines — Members of the House quad-committee will recommend the filing of charges against nearly 10 people next week, its lead panel chairperson said on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

The four committees have been looking into the war on drugs of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO).

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers gave a clue on the persons to be named in the case filing recommendation.

“This will involve active at saka [and] retired at saka [and] recently retired (individuals),” Barbers told reporters in a chance interview.

He did not disclose as well the nature of the cases and only said that officials of the Justice Department, Office of the Ombudsman, and National Bureau of Investigation will likely be present.

Barbers also said the committees will propose 15 measures that have come out of the hearings.

“Malaking bagay ‘yan kasi maraming nagbabatikos, sinasabi na, ‘Puro lang kayo hearing, wala naman kayong tinatapos, wala naman kayong reports,’” he said.

[Translation: That is significant because critics say, “You are just conducting hearings and there are no outcomes or reports.”]

The quad-committee will hold its last hearing for the year on Dec. 12. It will wrap up its discussion on POGOs and focus on the drug war next year.