Deputy Speaker and Antipolo 1st District Rep. Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno called on Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to set aside personal feelings and allow the upcoming House probe into Davao’s flood control projects to proceed.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Puno underscored that public officials should face scrutiny when needed. “Kung public official ka, siguro tanggapin mo lahat ng klaseng pag-iimbestiga. Kasama yan sa trabaho eh,” he said.
The House leader explained that investigations provide an opportunity to show transparency. “At kung gusto mong patunayan na maayos yung gawa mo, bakit hindi ka papayag na tignan nila lahat, di ba? Ganun lang yun,” he added, stressing that public servants should not take offense if their projects are reviewed.
The remarks came after Mayor Baste Duterte dismissed the inquiry as a publicity stunt, while Rep. Pulong Duterte assured that “every peso allocated was implemented” and downplayed the need for further investigation. Records from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) show that around P51 billion was allocated to Davao City infrastructure projects between 2020 and 2022, during the tail end of the Duterte administration.
Puno also clarified that Davao was not being singled out. “Hindi lang naman Davao City din, in fairness, ang imbestigahan ng committee… marami silang areas. Hindi naman nila sini-single out ang Davao City,” he pointed out, noting that other areas flagged by Senator Panfilo Lacson would also be covered.
He even suggested that the probe could work in favor of the Duterte brothers. “Baka maganda yun, eh di mapuri pa sila, di ba?” Puno said.
The House infrastructure committee is set to begin its hearings on September 2.
