The leaders of the House of Representatives’ quad committee responded to criticisms on Friday regarding their issuance of contempt citations and detention orders against resource persons. They rejected claims of being “overzealous and overkill” in their actions.
Co-chairs Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers and Laguna Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez emphasized that their actions are within their legal powers and only target serious violations of conduct. They pointed out that the citations serve to uphold the integrity of the committees involved in inquiries.
The leaders explained that the decisions to issue these orders were made after careful consideration of the responses from resource persons who failed to comply with the committee’s requests. The co-chairs indicated that they are motivated by the need to ensure accountability and transparency during investigations.
Rep. Barbers highlighted that the committees have a responsibility to conduct their work effectively. He noted that when individuals do not cooperate or respect the process, it undermines the authority of the House. Rep. Mariano-Hernandez backed this assertion, stating that it is vital for committees to maintain order in their proceedings without fear of backlash.
Members of the public and media raised concerns about the implications of issuing detention orders, suggesting they might deter potential witnesses from participating. The committee leaders acknowledged these concerns but reiterated that their primary goal is to compel compliance with subpoenas and clarify any ambiguities in testimony.
The quad committee undertakes essential functions, including oversight of various government actions and ensuring accountability from public officials. The leaders conveyed confidence in the legitimacy of their citations, stating they are warranted given the context of the hearings.
Both Barbers and Mariano-Hernandez expressed their commitment to ensuring that the legislative process continues without interference. They urged resource persons to engage with the committees constructively, underlining that dialogues should aim at truth-seeking rather than confrontation. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in legislative matters to uphold democratic principles and allow committees to accomplish their objectives efficiently.
