House probe on OCTA Research not a ‘witch-hunt’, say solons
House of Representatives. INQUIRER file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — Two lawmakers pushing for an inquiry on the capabilities and background of the OCTA Research group are insisting that the probe is not a “witch-hunt” to shut down the group.
Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay said the inquiry is pushed simply to have a “better understanding” of OCTA since pronouncements and projections of the research group are being used amid the country’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
“Just to set the record straight, because some quarters are trying to make it appear that ‘yung hearing na ito ay some sort of a witch-hunt to shut OCTA down. That’s the farthest from the truth,” Suntay said during the Ugnayan sa Batasan forum.
“We just want to have a better understanding of OCTA and the pronouncements that it issues and the methodology that it uses. We are not here to discredit anyone,” he added.
Suntay likewise defended the timing of the inquiry as critics question the motive behind the investigation.
“Ang daming nagtatanong, is it timely? I think it is. Dahil kung makikita mo yung mga lumalabas sa pahayagan at mga statements being issued ng mga LGUs, ang ginagamit nilang basehan ay yung mga projections ng OCTA,” Suntay said.
“Ang naglalabas lang is [Department of Health] and OCTA. Since madami ang adamant gamitin yung data coming from DOH kasi gobyerno, gusto nating malaman saan ba nanggagaling yung basehan ng projections ng OCTA?” he added.
Deputy Speaker Bernadette Herrera-Dy, another proponent of the OCTA probe, echoed Suntay.
“Sabi naman nila their intention is really to help, then when you cooperate with the government naman malaking bagay din yun para sa natin,” Herrera-Dy said.
“I was able to talk with [OCTA founder] Ranjit Rye, at sabi ko sa kanya, ‘you have nothing to worry about’. We just want to get to know you better and this is your chance actually na ibahagi sa lahat kung anong methodology niyo,” she added.
According to House Resolution No. 2075, the lawmakers urged the committee on good government to check on the “qualifications, research methodologies, partnerships, and composition” of the OCTA Research group.
