MANILA — The invitation “still stands” for former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald dela Rosa to attend the investigation of the House of Representatives on extrajudicial killings, POGOs, and proliferation of illegal drugs.

• House 'quad-comm' to invite Duterte, Bato to EJK, POGO, drug probe 

The quadcom’s lead chair, Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, said the panel has taken cognizance of all invitations and actions of the four separate committees.  

The Makabayan bloc reiterated the need for Duterte and Dela Rosa to attend the probe. 

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel took a swipe at Dela Rosa for engaging in “diversions” while refusing to honor the House invitation even when there is a precedent of a House member attending a Senate probe.

“Kung ang isang member ng House ay nakakapunta sa Senado to attend investigations, what exempts a senator na pumunta dito sa atin para sumagot sa ating mga tanong?” Manuel said. 

ACT Teachers party list Rep. France Castro said Duterte has to appear in the hearing, saying the former President was behind the policy that led to the proliferation of POGOs and EJKs. 

“Kahit naman sa POGO, isa lang ang responsibility dito na nagbigay ng policy, kahit sa EJK sa dangerous drugs, isa lang din ang tinutukoy na responsible,” Castro said.

Asked by Castro what the attitude of the quadcom will be if Duterte refuses to attend, Barbers said courtesy will be given to the former President while parliamentary courtesy will be accorded to Dela Rosa. 

The matter was discussed during the organizational meeting of the quadcom where the ground rules were approved by the members.

The quadcom, he said, will decide on the next steps in due time. 

The quadcom will hold its first regular hearing on August 16 in Bacolor, Pampanga, pointing out illegal drugs that have been subject of a probe were found in Mexico, Pampanga, with POGOs and land acquisitions of foreigners also having taken place in the province.