Members of an inter-agency coordinating committee conduct a walk through on July 15, 2024, as the House of Representatives prepares for the State Of the Nation Address on July 22. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — High-ranking officials of the House of Representatives are eyeing to consolidate the ongoing investigations into Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) crimes, illegal drugs, and former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. 

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Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. on Monday initiated the move in a privilege speech, which was followed by the filing of Representatives Joel Chua and Patrick Michael Vargas of Resolution No. 1843 proposing the fusion of the inquiries by committees of dangerous drug, public order and safety, and human rights.

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“These individual inquiries by the three committees have been persistent and yet exhaustive. Still, there are issues that are interwoven entailing scrutiny into intricate details,” Gonzales said in his privilege speech.

Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro later suggested that the committee on public accounts, of which she is a member, be included in the proposed multi-committee investigating panel. 

Gonzales’ privilege speech, Resolution No. 1843, and Luistro’s suggestion have all been referred to the rules committee chaired by Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe.

He said the separate investigations “have shown an overlap or commonalities on individuals or resource persons that may be invited in the hearings." 

“A joint investigation will enable us to conduct a more inclusive and thorough examination of these interlocking issues... This coordinated effort will ensure that our findings are comprehensive and that our legislative recommendations are practical and encompassing," he explained. 

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