The House Quad Committee will continue its investigation and hearings on the issues and crimes surrounding POGOs, Quad Comm Chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.
In an ambush interview, the lawmaker told reporters that they would continue their investigation, despite announcing that Thursday would be their last hearing on the matter. According to Barbers, other lawmakers recommended that they still conduct hearings on POGOs, as two more witnesses are willing to testify before the mega panel.
Barbers noted that the witnesses hold new information, and are ready to testify. Several new developments and information have surfaced. However, Barbers refrained from discussing it with reporters, as he needed to get the approval of the co-chairs first.
“Meron kaming gustong isama na parte ng imbestigasyon tungkol sa POGO. Siguro when we schedule our next hearing, we will probably tackle that," Barbers said.
“It’s an entirely new information. That’s why we’re trying to assess, and another witness is willing to or probably will come out if he and she are willing to divulge whatever they know doon sa isyu dyan sa bagong information,” he added.
The lawmaker said that the recent revelation connects to their previous inquiries.
Meanwhile, Barbers mentioned that they won’t be needing the testimony from Alice Guo, Cassandra Ong, and Tony Yang, the three key POGO personalities.
The recent information meant that the mega panel would continue to push for former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque to attend their hearings and question him on his involvement.
The Quad Committee conducted its hearing on POGOs on Thursday, lifting the contempt order against Guo, Ong, and Yang. Moreover, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop assured the public that the Committee will be returning next year to deepen its discussion of the issues of illegal drugs.
