Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte Says ICI No “Power Nor Jurisdiction” Over him
PAOLO DUTERTE – The Davao Congressman declined to attend the flood control investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the creation of an independent commission that will investigate the matter. The Chief Executive’s order led to the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI.
The independent body for infrastructure probe has the power to move for the seizure of assets as well as the issuance of subpoena for the flood control investigation. It is led by former Justice Andres Reyes Jr.
The ICI has already invited several government officials tagged into the flood control mess including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Amid the flood control corruption accusations against him, the former House Speaker claimed that he is willing to extend any help for the faster resolution of the issue.
Senators Chiz Escudero and Joel Villanueva are also among those who appeared before the ICI. A few days ago, it was reported that presidential son and Ilocos Norte Congressman Sandro Marcos and Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte were invited by the commission. Cong. Sandro Marcos said he is ready to appear before the ICI as “no one is above the law”.
However, with regards to Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte, he recently released a statement confirming his decision to decline from appearing before the ICC for the flood control investigation. Based on a post on the official Facebook account of the Davao Congressman, he sent a letter to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr.
“The ICI appears without power nor jurisdiction over me,” Duterte wrote in his letter.
Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte stressed that the ICI was created under Executive Order No. 94 which he cited as part of the Executive branch. According to him, the commission cannot compel a member of the House of Representatives as he cited the doctrine of the separation of powers.
Furthermore, based on the post, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte also stressed in his letter to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. that the commission allegedly has full access to the documents they need for the flood control investigation through some government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). According to him, “Malacañang need not to look to Congress”.
Amid the flood control mess in the Philippines and the corruption accusations of Zaldy Co against the President, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte was seemingly calling for Pres. Bongbong Marcos to return the alleged loot from the government funds.