Even before the bell could ring for the first round, former President Rodrigo Duterte had inflicted the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Public Accounts, Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Security and Human Rights (QuadCom) a beating they will never forget.

Quadcomm had earlier invited the former President to attend its hearing on Nov. 13. This was a follow-up to a previous invitation set on Nov. 7, which FPRRD, through his counsel, Martin Delgra, had declined.

Among other things, Delgra said FPRRD was “already doubtful” of the committee’s integrity, independence, and probity. Delgra noted that Representatives BienvenidoAbante, Jr. and Dan Fernandez had been very vocal that FPRRD be held liable for “willful killing.”

“If that is indeed their belief, then the proper course of action would be for them to file the proper criminal cases before the Department of Justice and for the latter to resolve whether probable cause exists or not,” Delgrastressed.

The Quadcom must have read FPRRD’s position as stated by his lawyer as hesitation or even fear. The statement issued by Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano reflected the prevailing mood within the Quadcom that it had FPRRD tied on the ropes.

“He has promised us through his letter that after November 1 he will be present in today’s hearing. Ano to? Naglolokohan tayo dito?…Kung hindi tayo naglolokohandito, eh ano? Natatakot sya na pumunta dito,” he added with a hint of bravado.

Obviously convinced that, for the first time in a long while, FPRRD was showing signs of vulnerability, the Quadcomwent for the kill and set the meeting for Nov. 13.

In succeeding days, FPRRD seemed listless, telling Vice President Sara Duterte to “get out of politics” and declaring that he was tired and quitting politics. At 79, and now walking with a cane, it seemed like the “Punisher” was but a shadow of his old self.

The Nov. 13 hearing was a move the Quadcom members would regret.

With near-total secrecy, FPRRD flew to Manila from his base in Davao City. When he felt the time was ripe, FPRRD declared that he was in town to attend Wednesday’s hearing.

This was the signal his followers had been waiting for. The Hakbang ng Maisug, DDS, and many Duterte supporters sounded the call to mass at the Batasang Pambansa to express their support for PRRD. Despite the short notice, the call was met with excited commitments.

A spontaneous rally is the last thing Quadcom and the rest of Congress want at this time. Even while the commitments were coming in, Quadcom suddenly announced it was rescheduling the public hearing to Nov. 21.

“We apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused on your schedule but rest assured that we will keep you informed of any further developments,” said the letter signed by lead committee secretary Arturo Felix H. Catarata.

Just like that, FPRRD turned around what earlier seemed like an inferior position to his advantage. The hunted was now the hunter.

Not one to waste an advantageous position, FPRRD declared that he would still proceed to the BatasangPambansa on Wednesday to confront the Quadcommembers, according to former Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.

Panelo said FPRRD will ask “why, after demanding his presence, accepting their invitation, and coming here last night, they will just cancel it without prior notice.”

FPRRD has won the first round against the Quadcom with a stroke of genius. It would not be surprising if he had, in fact, tamed it into submission.

“When opponents are unwilling to fight with you, it is because they think it is contrary to their interests, or because you have misled them into thinking so,” goes a Sun-tzu doctrine.

It is interesting to see how the Quadcom will extricate itself from the hole it dug for itself.

Meanwhile, citizens increasingly incensed by congressmen and cronies’ obscene display of unexplained wealth, whose numbers are growing by the day, wait with anticipation no longer as mere spectators but active participants in the quest for a better nation.