Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte Speaks on Refusing ICI Invitation
PAOLO DUTERTE – The Davao Congressman claimed he views the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as allegedly a tool for President Bongbong Marcos to supposedly destroy Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, and their family’s “good name”.
Countless Filipinos were left disappointed and angry over the supposed multi-billion flood control corruption in the country. Thousands of Filipinos joined the “Trillion Peso March” last September 21 and November 30 to protest against the supposed massive corruption in the country.
After several congressmen and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as well as some senators and former Senate members were linked to the flood control mess, Pres. Bongbong Marcos ordered an independent team for the flood control investigation to be formed. The order of the President led to the creation of the ICI or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
Following the creation of the ICI, House Speaker Bojie Dy claimed that the flood control probe is best done by Marcos Jr’.s independent commission. The Senate continued with its flood control investigation which is led by the Blue Ribbon Committee.
The flood control investigation of the ICI is ongoing. Several government officials have already appeared before the commission for the flood control investigation. However, recently, Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte declined the invitation of the independent commission.
In his letter informing the ICI that he will not accept the invitation, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte stressed that the commission was created under the order of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. He highlighted the separation of powers and claimed that the three-member body has no jurisdiction over him.
“The ICI appears without power nor jurisdiction over me,” the Davao Congressman said.
Recently, following his decision to decline the invitation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte expressed his view of the ICI. Based on a post of ABS-CBN News, the Congressman claimed that he views the ICI as allegedly a tool of Marcos Jr. to weaken or destroy the “good name” of the Duterte family.
“I view ICI as President Marcos Jr.’s tool for pure political propaganda to weaken, or worse destroy the name of VP Sara, FPRRD and our Duterte family’s good name. It is continuing political propaganda and harassment against our family with a view to the 2028 Presidential, national and local elections,” Duterte said based on the post.
Previously, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte also reacted to the call for an ICI flood control probe in his district.