QuadComm cites ex-PDEA chief Villanueva in contempt

The House Quad Committee (QuadComm) has cited former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Wilkins Villanueva in contempt over his alleged refusal to answer questions from lawmakers.

Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano made the motion after Villanueva repeatedly denied his involvement in the alleged warrantless arrest of Jed Sy, wife of drug personality Allan Sy, around two decades ago.

“You are lying! You are not respecting this committee!,” Paduano said during the House QuadComm probe on the war on drugs waged by the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Villanueva, who assumed the PDEA director general post in 2020,  responded, “I am not lying, your honor.”

The ex-PDEA official stood by his claims even after Antipolo lawmaker Romeo Acop pointed out that based on PDEA records, the agency detained Mrs. Sy twice: In January 1, 2005 and again in January 4, 2005.

“She was taken in by PDEA twice, and during the second instance in January 4, 2005...after that [date], hindi na siya nakalabas. ‘Yun ang katotohanan, and it is on the record of the PDEA blotter na binabasa ko,” Acop said.

“I do not know the reason why you do not know [about Mrs. Sy’s detention]. Pursuant to the law, all anti-illegal drug operations should be coordinated with PDEA. In other words, in the joint operations you are talking about, you are the overall ground commander. You are the one responsible for what your men will do and will not do under the principle of command responsibility. You should accept responsibility for all the things that your people did outside the bounds of law. Hinuhulog mo na iyong mga tao mo (You are throwing your men under the bus.),” Acop added.

Villanueva, however, maintained that he does not recall arresting Sy but he remembers her being questioned at the PDEA office in the aftermath of a December 2004 PDEA raid of a shabu lab in Dumoy, Davao City.

“Hindi ko po maalala na kinausap ko siya. Nasa opisina po siya [ng PDEA],” Villanueva added.

(I do not recall talking to her. She was at the PDEA office.)

Paduano, however, was not convinced with Villanueva’s answer and again asked the former PDEA official if he was lying.

Villanueva answered in the negative, prompting Paduano to cite him in contempt.

Antipolo Representative and retired police official Romeo Acop amended Paduano’s motion by stating that the contempt and accompanying detention order against Villanueva will only be implemented once the QuadComm probe resumes on January 13 next year “in the spirit of Christmas”.

The QuadComm approved the amended contempt order for Villanueva.—RF, GMA Integrated News