Retired police colonel Royina Garma. Courtesy: House of Representatives

Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chief Royina Garma told the House Quad Committee on Friday that she wanted to tell the truth about the past administration's drug war in an effort to help reform the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

Garma, a retired police colonel with reported close ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte, left lawmakers stunned by her disclosure on details about the alleged cash reward system for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration’s bloody war on drugs.

During the House quadcomm marathon hearing, Garma said that after a week of reflection, she felt the urge to speak the truth to restore public trust in the PNP. 

“I realize the truth will always set us free, Mr. Chair, and at least I will be able to contribute if we really want to make this country a better place to live…for our children,” Garma said in response to a query from Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez. 

WATCH: Garma links Duterte, Bong Go to state-sanctioned killings

“I think we have to do something para maibalik ‘yung trust sa PNP, magkaroon ng reform sa PNP,” she added.

In her affidavit, Garma disclosed key details about the roles of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go in overseeing anti-drug operations.

She confirmed the assembly of a national task force patterned after the “Davao Model,” which provided police with financial rewards for killing drug suspects, funding for planned operations, and reimbursement for operational expenses.

Fernandez, co-chair of the Quad Committee, expressed surprise at Garma’s sudden shift from previous hearings and asked if she had been pressured into submitting the affidavit. 

“Meron po bang pumilit sa inyo para i-execute ang affidavit na ito?” asked Fernandez.

Garma said her decision was entirely voluntary. “Wala po, Mr. Chair, it took me one week to make some reflections,” she said.

Fernandez also addressed Garma’s earlier statements about her fear for her safety. “Kanina po may sinasabi kayo na natatakot kayo sa buhay niyo at sa pamilya niyo, saan po kayo natatakot?” he asked.

Garma says Duterte tapped 'Davao Model' on killing drug suspects

Garma acknowledged her fears but stood firm in her decision. “Of course, it’s normal, Mr. Chair, when you speak the truth, you cannot please everyone. But still, it took me one week to make reflections, and I realized I need to do my part,” she replied.

Fernandez then asked if Garma’s past relationship with former President Duterte influenced her emotions, wondering if that connection was the reason for her mixed feelings. 

“Normal lang naman bilang tao, Mr. Chair, pero what prevailed after a week of reflection is I always say, the truth will always set me free. I want a better place. A better PNP, Mr. Chair,” she said. 

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. supported Garma’s decision, stating that it aligns with the committee’s efforts to address issues within the national police. 

“Yes, Mr. Chairman, we are all on the same page. Kaya po natin ginagawa ito para sa taumbayan—na maayos ‘yung PNP, mawala ‘yung extrajudicial killings, ‘yung drugs,” said Gonzales. 

The Quad Comm—composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—has been probing the links between illegal offshore gaming operators, proliferation of illegal drug trade, land grabbing by certain Chinese nationals, and the EJKs associated with the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.