by Omar Fernando 

DAVAO CITY — A netizen recently called the attention of Surigao del Norte Second District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, the chair of the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee (Quadcom), to invite the families of those victimized by drug users in the ongoing probe on the war on drugs.

Temz Gordonas, who claimed he is a Surigaonon, a taxpayer, and a Filipino citizen, vowed to convince his family members and friends “to reject anyone connected to Barbers as our next representative in Congress.”

He said Barbers afforded time to the families of alleged criminals and drug users killed during the war on drugs.

“Would you also care to invite the families of victims who were killed and raped by drug users in Surigao and the rest of the country?” Gordonas said in a Facebook post on Nov. 16.

He criticized the way Barbers and the rest of the committee members treated Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (FPRRD) during the hearing on Nov. 13, noting the solon’s hypocrisy and double standards.

Barber’s Quadcom, he noticed, also accorded special treatment to former Senators Antonio Trillanes and Leila Delima, as well as to other resource speakers.

“While I agree that the previous administration’s drug war was not perfect and had its irregularities, the courts have already prosecuted police authorities involved in illegal activities during the drug war, and if I’m not mistaken, some cases are still ongoing,” he said.

He added that amidst Barber’s grandstanding during the Quadcomm hearings, he failed to see the sufferings of Filipinos, especially the residents of Surigao del Norte, from high prices of food and groceries, problems with employment due to low wages, and the effects of the past calamities.

“Is this what we get from our elected officials?” he asked.

Gordonas also slammed Barbers for not bothering to ask the constituencies in Surigao del Norte about their sufferings and with the recent rise of illegal drugs and criminalities in the province.

“My uncle and many of my relatives are your trusted allies. Did you even bother to ask them what are problems Surigaonon facing today?” he asked.

Gordonas said Barbers is only visible in the province when he needs help during elections.

He also described the solon as “tone-deaf” and “out of touch” with the realities in the second district of Surigao del Norte due to his frequenting in Manila “kissing Romualdez’s ass for your benefit and favor.”

He was referring to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Quadcom irrelevant

With the recent developments, Gordonas said Quadcom’s irrelevance contradicts the principles of “in aid of legislation.”

“It has become in aid of conviction, political persecution, and a political witch hunt against the Dutertes,” he said.

He added that Barbers is following the “agenda and playlist” of Romualdez, goaded by greed and power.

“As your supporter, this is long overdue to call you out. I’m sick and tired of growing up watching my uninformed family, friends, and relatives blindly voting for you while you fail to address the major issues Surigaonons suffer from every day,” Gordonas said.

He added that Barbers no longer represent the struggles and sufferings of the ordinary people of Surigao del Norte.

“In the next election, hopefully, Surigaonons will hold you accountable,” he said.

Viral post

As of this writing, the post has already drawn supportive reactions through thumbs up and heart emojis, 660 comments, and over 6,400 shares.

Gordona’s post was also re-posted by other Facebook users, including personalities in the media, politics, and ordinary citizens.

When asked to comment on the post, a media personality from Manila, who requested anonymity, said Gordona’s post represents the present-day and real sentiments of the Filipino people.

“His setting may be confined only to Surigao, his hometown, but the situations presented in the post are the actual happenings in the country, in terms of the economy and security due to the increasing criminalities fueled by the drug problem,” he said.

He added that Gordona embodies the millions of Filipinos who are frustrated and tired of how the government works and treating the basic problems of society.

“Na budol talaga tayo (We were really duped),” he added.