There is hereby created a FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) for the purpose of investigating and determining all the facts and circumstances regarding the alleged proliferation of illegal gambling in the Bicol Region, and the alleged involvement of military and civilian officials therein, subject matter of the privilege speech of Senator Ernesto Maceda on September 1,1989.

The Committee shall be composed of:

Secretary Sedfrey A. Ordonez

Chairman Department of Justice   Deputy Executive Secretary Magdangal B. Elma Member Office of the President   Undersecretary Leonardo Quisumbing Member Department of National Defense  

For the purpose of the investigation, the Committee is hereby granted all the powers of an investigating body under Sections 71 and 580 of the Revised Administrative Code, including the power to summon witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony or evidence relevant to the investigation, and to obtain compulsory processes to produce documents, books, records and such other matters in the performance of its functions.

The Committee may wish to invite Senator Ernesto Maceda and his alleged informants who, in the interest of justice, should welcome the opportunity to substantiate the allegations in his privilege speech.

The Deputy Executive Secretary shall establish a Secretariat for the technical and staff support of the Committee. For this purpose, he is hereby authorized to detail any personnel from any government office to assist the Committee.

All the departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities including government owned or controlled corporations are hereby directed to extend such assistance and cooperation as the Committee may need in the discharge of its functions.

The Committee shall submit its findings and recommendations to the President of the Philippines.

DONE in the City of Manila this 5th day of September in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty nine.


By the President:
(Sgd.) CATALINO MACARAIG, JR.
Executive Secretary