The House of Representatives on Wednesday elected Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon as chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts, completing the roster of committee leaders that comprise the powerful Quad Comm set to resume its sweeping investigation into extrajudicial killings, illegal drug operations and organized crime syndicates.
The election of Ridon, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP) who studied public policy and business in Harvard University, fills the final leadership post in the joint panel—unofficially dubbed “Quad Comm 2.0”—alongside Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante Jr., who chairs the Committee on Human Rights; Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano, chair of the Committee on Public Order and Safety; and Bukidnon 2nd District Representative Jonathan Keith Flores, chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs.
The reactivation of the Quad Comm signals the 20th Congress’ renewed commitment—under the leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez—to uncover unresolved cases of state-enabled violence, corruption and criminal impunity, many of which were first exposed during the 19th Congress and reignited by the recent disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts or sabungeros.
Ridon’s appointment strengthens the committee’s mandate to scrutinize financial and operational anomalies tied to abuses of power and public trust.
Ridon, a former student activist and staunch anti-corruption advocate, is widely regarded for his legal acumen and experience in government accountability. The lawmaker’s appointment strengthens the committee’s mandate to scrutinize financial and operational anomalies tied to abuses of power and public trust.
In the same plenary session, the House also elected several other legislators to key positions in both regular and special committees.
4Ps Party-list Representative JC Abalos was elected chairperson of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Aklan 2nd District Representative Florencio Miraflores now chairs the Committee on Local Government, while Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario was chosen to lead the Committee on Social Services.
For the special committees, Rizal 3rd District Representative Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. was elected chair of the Special Committee on Flagship Programs and Projects. Bohol 3rd District Representative Kristine Alexie Tutor now heads the Special Committee on Globalization and WTO. Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco was named chair of the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy. Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Alexander Pimentel now leads the Special Committee on Strategic Intelligence.
Agusan del Sur 1st District Representative Alfel Bascug was elected chair of the Special Committee on Persons with Disability. Bataan 3rd District Representative Maria Angela Garcia now chairs the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea.
The House also formalized the leadership structure of the minority bloc. Assisting Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan is Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice, who was elected Senior Deputy Minority Leader.
Deputy Minority Leaders include Representatives Presley De Jesus (PHILRECA Party-list), Sergio Dagooc (APEC Party-list), Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands), Stephen James Tan (Samar, 1st District), Leila De Lima (ML Party-list), Perci Cendaña (AKBAYAN Party-list), Antonio Tinio (ACT TEACHERS Party-list), Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay (Quezon City, 4th District), Jernie Jett Nisay (PUSONG PINOY Party-list), Reynolds Michael Tan (Samar, 2nd District), and Cielo Krisel Lagman (Albay, 1st District).
Assistant Minority Leaders are Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales (Eastern Samar), Renee Louise Co (KABATAAN Party-list), Chel Diokno (AKBAYAN Party-list), Robert Nazal (BH Party-list), Niko Raul Daza (Northern Samar, 1st District), JP Padiernos (GP Party-list), Audrey Kay Zubiri (Bukidnon, 3rd District), and Iris Marie Demesa Montes (4K Party-list).
“The House minority bloc has a vital role in maintaining institutional balance, promoting transparency, and contributing to a healthy democratic process.”
Speaker Romualdez has consistently emphasized the vital role of the House minority bloc in maintaining institutional balance, promoting transparency, and contributing to a healthy democratic process.
He has said that a “vigilant and constructive minority” helps refine legislation and ensure accountability in governance.
