MANILA – House Quad Committee lead chairperson Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the incident involving his colleagues and a police officer will serve as a learning experience when speaking with witnesses and resource persons.

 Quad Comm co-chairpersons Santa Rosa Rep. Dan Fernandez and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante were accused by Police Colonel Hector Grijaldo of coercing him to corroborate former Police Colonel Royina Garma's affidavit on the existence of a drug war reward system.

 "I think that's a lesson ngayon ano. Wala naman ibang intensyon, wala naman ibang motibo yung aming dalawang kasamahan na kongresista nung kinausap nila yan," he told reporters after the mega panel's first hearing for the year.

 During the hearing on Tuesday, Fernandez and Abante inhibited themselves when the committee discussed the matter. They also served as resource persons and answered questions on the incident.

 Both congressmen denied Grijaldo's claims that he was forced to confirm Garma's supplemental affidavit.

 "Kinausap lamang nila si Grijaldo because it was the request of Colonel Garma. Kung saan sinasabi ni Colonel Grijaldo bilang classmate niya at close friend nya, ay pwedeng magcorroborate doon sa kanyang sinumpaang salaysay," Barbers said.

 Fernandez showed CCTV footage wherein Grijaldo can be seen exiting the room where the supposed meeting took place. Based on this, he said the former police officer did not seem like he was coerced.

 Garma's lawyers, who were present at the said meeting, issued a joint statement saying they did not see any signs of coercion or undue influence. They even described the meeting as "cordial and respectful."

 Barbers explained that it was not unusual to vet the testimony of a possible resource person before appearing at the hearing.

 "As we always say, kapagka may witness merong tumestify, vinevet namin yun eh. Part of talking to these witnesses is the vetting. Including asking from them to execute an affidavit para hindi kami nawawala," he said.

 "Yes it is a lesson learned na hindi pwedeng dalawa lang sila, pwedeng apat na kami para mas malinaw," the congressman added.

 Grijaldo was cited in contempt again for refusal to answer questions related to the incident. He repeatedly invoked his right against self-incrimination.

 Due to the contempt order, he will be transferred to the Quezon City Police District Station 6 across the Batasang Pambansa Complex.