House Leader Calls Out Paolo Duterte for Refusing to Attend ICI Probe: “Bakit biglang dinaga si Polong?”

Statement of House Leader on Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte

HOUSE LEADER – ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio called out Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte for refusing to attend probe of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Amid the ongoing flood control investigation in the Philippines, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte stepped back from attending the ICI probe. He sent a letter to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. informing him of his decision as he cited that the commission allegedly has no power and jurisdiction over him.

The invitation of the ICI to Duterte came amid the calls on the independent commission to investigate the flood control projects in his district in Davao City. The commission was formed under the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

In his letter to ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte cited the separation of powers after stressing that the commission was formed under an executive order. He also told the ICI to investigate Marcos, his family, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez instead.

Amid the accusations of supposed flood control corruption against him, presidential cousin and Leyte Cong. Martin Romualdez resigned from being the House Speaker. He also appeared before the ICI and vowed that he will extend any help he can to speed up the resolution of the matter.

Recently, following the Davao City Congressman refusing to attend the ICI probe, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio called out Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte. Based on a report on GMA News, he stressed that “general denial” is allegedly not enough.

According to Tinio, Duterte should face the investigation and answer how the public funds in his district were spent.

“Hindi sasapat ang mga general denial. Humarap siya at sumagot sa mga tanong hinggil sa naging paggastos ng pondo ng bayan sa kanyang distrito,” the House Deputy Minority Leader said.

Furthermore, the House leader further asked about Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte’s alleged sudden cowardice. Based on the report, he asked what happened to his previous pronouncements that he welcomes the investigation and he is not hiding anything.

“Bakit biglang dinaga si Polong? Anyare sa ‘I welcome the investigation’ at “wala tayong tinatago, wala tayong kinakatakutan’? Wala ka lang palang sisiputan,” the House leader said.

Recently, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte threw an accusation against Pres. Bongbong Marcos over the ICI.