Quad Comm co-chair and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr.
THE investigation into the alleged misuse of intelligence funds for a reward system in the anti-drug war has gained momentum as the House Quad Committee intends to tap the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for assistance.
Quad Comm co-chair and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. confirmed this in a House press briefing on Wednesday. He said they are already looking into other possible legislation and amendments to the existing laws as a result of the hearings they conducted.
“Kami lang naman, we’re just investigating in aid of legislation. Nag-file na kami ng bill on EJK to pronounce that to be a heinous crime. So ito, tignan natin maigi kung ano pang mga legislation ang dapat nating gawin tungkol dito,” he said.
With two bills already filed by the quad comm, more legislation are in the pipeline, including possible amendments to the existing espionage law.
“Sapagka’t medyo malabo ‘yong batas natin ngayon tungkol diyan. So pinag-aaralan po namin kung ano ang maidadagdag namin or we could be able to amend the espionage law right now. So I think there’s about mga 15 na mga draft bills na ipa-file namin, including the death penalty bill on heinous crimes,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the Quad Comm is not only seeking new legislation but also aiding in prosecution, as they are already requesting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and prosecute any evidence they uncover.
“Sinabi ko na rin na perhaps the Quad Comm is not only after a legislation but also in aid of prosecution. Kasi we’re now asking the NBI and the DOJ to start investigating and prosecuting whatever evidences that they could be able to get into,” he said.
When asked about the timeline and the scope of the investigation, Abante emphasized the importance of uncovering the use of confidential funds from 2016 to 2022.
“We’d like to find out kung magkanong confidential fund nakuha in the years the former President was president. Tignan natin maigi kung ito ay meron talagang na-contribute towards the rewards system. Yun ang nais nating makita dito,” he stated.
As the investigation continues, more connections between the intel funds, Small Town Lottery (STL), Philippine offshore gaming operators and the reward system are expected to surface.
“Actually, Col. Espenido made a statement in our first Quad Comm hearing na talagang merong rewards system. Tinanong namin kung saan nanggagaling ang rewards, ang sinabi niya nanggagaling ito sa mga gambling money for example, STL, POGO. Now, meron itong connection din naman sa sinabi ni Garma na talagang merong rewards system. Although hindi niya talaga tinukoy kung ito ay galing sa rewards system,” Abante explained.
Currently, retired police Col. Royina Garma remains the sole witness confirming the use of confidential funds in “tokhang” operations.
Details about specific bank accounts and transactions will also be pursued based on revelations from witnesses like Garma. The quad comm also plans to subpoena banks if necessary to trace transactions, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
