2 House hearings canceled as focus shifts to Kristine, relief ops

The quad committee of the House of Representatives —HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Two key hearings at the House of Representatives have been postponed so lawmakers can focus on relief operations in areas hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

In a press briefing on Thursday, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers confirmed that the House quad committee would cease and resume hearings when Congress returns from its break.

“We canceled our supposedly scheduled hearing for today of the quad committee because of the strong storm. And during this time of calamity, Filipinos should be united. We should not talk about politics or issues,” Barbers, the quad committee’s lead presiding officer, told reporters.

“Filipinos should help each other, whether from the government or from the private sector, as this is what President BBM (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) is talking about, a whole-of-nation approach in addressing problems like this calamity.  We saw scores of people affected by this storm.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you,” he added.

The quad panel comprises the committee on dangerous drugs which Barbers heads, the committee on public order and safety, the committee on public accounts, and the committee on human rights.

Barbers said he believes the committee on good government and public accountability also suspended its hearing originally set for Monday, October 28.

“We should focus first on the calamity so that we in Congress cannot be accused of not doing anything during times of calamity, et cetera. You know, such criticisms surface during these times, especially from party opponents.  That’s why we should focus here first, help each other until we fix the situation for those hit by the storm,” he added.

The quad committee is probing the possible correlation between illegal activities in Philippine offshore gaming operator hubs, the illegal drug trade, and alleged extrajudicial killings in the Duterte administration’s drug war.

Meanwhile, the good government panel is tackling questions about the fund utilization of Vice President Sara Duterte’s office.

READ: Solon chides ex-President Duterte for skipping quad comm hearing

READ: OVP hits House panel over probe into fund use, budget: It’s unnecessary

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said he supports the quad committee’s decision to cancel its hearing on Thursday as government officials are needed the most during calamities.

“It will allow our representatives to be where they are most needed – among their people, providing immediate aid and relief. In moments like this, it is imperative that we set aside our legislative duties to prioritize the welfare of our fellow Filipinos,” he added.

Romualdez also assured the public that the House has responded to the needs of the people, with P411-million aid mobilized to districts severely affected by the storm.

“This financial assistance is just the beginning of our efforts to help our kababayans recover from this disaster as instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” he said.

“The resources we have mobilized reflect our commitment to respond promptly and with urgency to the needs of those displaced and affected by Typhoon Kristine. We are doing everything in our power to make sure help reaches the most vulnerable,” he added.

READ: P411-M aid on the way for storm Kristine victims — Romualdez

In its Thursday noon bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said that Kristine maintained its strength as it crossed Northern Luzon.

Kristine was packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with a gustiness of up to 160 kph.

READ: Kristine keeps strength over Northern Luzon; 7 areas under Signal No. 3