Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte Speaks on Corruption Accusations against Some Congressmen
PAOLO DUTERTE – The Davao Congressman challenged President Bongbong Marcos to file a case against congressmen faced with corruption accusations.
The flood control issue in the Philippines now is the center of several investigations. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have opened their own probes into the flood control mess and Pres. Bongbong Marcos also created the Independent Commission on Infrastructure or the ICI which is tasked to investigate the infra projects of the government.
The independent body for infrastructure probe that Marcos Jr. ordered to be created amid the flood control mess in the country has broad powers. It has the power to move for the freezing and the seizure of the assets linked to anomalies.
Furthermore, the ICI also has the subpoena power, the power to compel anyone to appear and give a testimony in lieu of the investigation or the production of certain documents needed for the probe. Amid the issue, several officials of the government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are faced with accusations of corruption.
During a Senate flood probe, controversial contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya did the name-dropping of the government and DPWH officials who allegedly receive kickback from flood control projects. Their claims hooked the nation and rushed massive criticisms against the individuals they mentioned in their joint affidavit.
The Discaya couple accused Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde as allegedly receiving kickback from flood control projects. They made the same accusation against House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Pasig Cong. Roman Romulo, Marikina Cong. Marcy Teodoro, Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, and the following:
- Terence Calatrava, Former Undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas of the Philippines
- USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang
- Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas
- AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones
- San Jose del Monte Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes
- Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
- Former congressman Benjamin Agarao, Jr.
- Former congressman Florencio Gabriel Noel
- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Odie Tarriela
- Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia
- Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo
- Former congressman Teodorico Haresco, Jr.
Several government officials accused by the Discayas of allegedly receiving kickback from the flood control projects of the government immediately junked the allegations. Amid the issue wherein several of his colleagues in the House of Representatives are faced with corruption accusations, Davao 1st District Cong. Paolo Duterte issued a challenge to Pres. Bongbong Marcos.
According to Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte, if Pres. Bongbong Marcos is really serious about fighting corruption, he must file a case against the lawmakers who are accused of corruption.
“Mr. President, ano ba ‘to? Kung seryoso ka talaga laban sa korapsyon, bakit hindi ka mag-file agad ng kaso laban sa mga tiwaling mambabatas?” Duterte said.
Based on a post of News5 on social media, the Davao Congressman further expressed that getting emotional and speaking flowery words won’t solve the country’s problem about corruption. He stressed that the words should be proven with actions.
“Hindi matatapos ang corruption sa iyak-iyak at bolahan lang… Patunayan naman natin hindi lang ito puro salita,” he said.
Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte seemingly does not believe that Pres. Bongbong Marcos has no idea about the alleged corruption in the Congress. Based on the post, he stressed the presence of Marcos Jr.’s son, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Cong. Sandro Marcos, in the Congress.
“Huwag naman nating sabihing sa halos apat na taon bilang Pangulo, wala ka man lang alam sa korapsyon sa Kongreso. Eh nandiyan mismo ang anak mo bilang Majority Leader,” the Davao Congressman expressed.
Amid the issue, presidential cousin and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez decided for a resignation from his post as House Speaker.