Several lawmakers have emphasized the close relationship between former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma and former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The claim was made during a hearing where Garma’s career and ties with Duterte were scrutinized.
Despite allegations, Garma has denied being closely associated with the former president, who appointed her to the PCSO. The inquiry was led by Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrix” Luistro, Taguig Rep. Amparo Maria “Pammy” Zamora, Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez, and Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop.
During the hearing, Garma was accused of being involved in the 2016 killings of Chu Kin Tung (alias Tony Lim), Li Lan Yan (alias Jackson Li), and Wong Meng Pin (alias Wang Ming Ping), who were incarcerated at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF).
The lawmakers delved into Garma’s career, particularly her work in the Philippine National Police (PNP), where she held various positions in Davao City and Cebu City during Duterte’s war on drugs.
Luistro questioned Garma about her educational background, her role as head of the Women’s Desk at the Davao City Police Department, and her tenure as police chief in Cebu City.
It was revealed during the hearing that Garma held key positions in Davao City’s police force, including station commander of Sasa and Sta. Ana, head of the Women’s Desk, and police administration officer.
Zamora, on the other hand, focused on past newspaper reports involving Garma and her former husband, Roland Vilela, who was accused of raping a 17-year-old commercial worker in 2005.
Zamora cited reports indicating that Garma had appealed to then-Mayor Duterte to retain her husband in the Davao City police force. Garma recalled details of her separation from Vilela and expressed concern for her child, who has a special disability.
Deputy Speaker Suarez pointed out that the positions Garma held in the PNP were in “plum areas,” and implied that such posts were difficult to secure without Duterte’s intervention, particularly in Davao City, Cebu City, and the PCSO.
Garma joined the PCSO on July 15, 2018, after retiring from the PNP in June 2019 following 24 years of service. Rep. Acop questioned Garma’s decision to retire early, as she only had ten years remaining to complete her service.