The House Quad Committee once again cited Police Colonel Hector Grijaldo in contempt during its 14th hearing on Tuesday for refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions regarding his Senate testimony, repeatedly invoking his right against self-incrimination.
Grijaldo confirmed the authenticity of an affidavit shown to him but declined to respond to questions from Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop. His continued refusal prompted Acop to move for his citation in contempt, citing a violation of Section 11, Paragraph C, for refusal to answer relevant questions.
Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano proposed transferring Grijaldo to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 6 near the Batasang Pambansa complex for detention. “For this contempt, may I move that we detain Colonel Grijaldo at Station 6 for proximity to the Batasan,” Paduano said.
Grijaldo accused Quad Committee Co-Chairperson Representative Dan Fernandez of coercing him to confirm a supplemental affidavit by former police officer Royina Garma. The affidavit alleges rewards ranging from ₱20,000 to ₱1 million were given for killing drug suspects during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.
Both Fernandez and Co-Chairperson Representative Bienvenido Abante, who were allegedly present during the conversation, denied the coercion claims. Lawyers representing Garma also issued a joint affidavit stating they did not witness any form of coercion during the discussion.
In the hearing, Fernandez and Abante voluntarily inhibited themselves from deliberations and took their oaths as resource persons. Fernandez admitted to asking Grijaldo to corroborate Garma’s statements, saying, “Colonel Grijaldo, ito ang mga nakasulat sa affidavit… Ito ba mapapatotohanan mo ba na sinabi ni Colonel Garma?” He claimed Grijaldo denied knowledge of the allegations.
A CCTV footage presented during the hearing showed Grijaldo leaving the room unrestrained and smiling, contradicting his coercion claims. Human rights lawyer Atty. Kristina Conti said Grijaldo’s demeanor was inconsistent with someone under duress or coercion.
“It would not be consistent with human experience to see someone coerced leave a room freely, without any restraints,” Conti explained.
The Quad Committee approved Paduano’s amended motion to detain Grijaldo at QCPD Station 6 “until the committee report in this investigation is adopted at the plenary.” Grijaldo was informed that he could file a motion for reconsideration to lift the contempt order.