Davao Congressman Paolo Duterte Forms Independent Bloc
PAOLO DUTERTE – The Davao Congressman confirmed that he left during a House session as he refuse to “take part in a political circus”.
The Senate and the House of Representatives had sessions this morning as the lawmakers decided on who will occupy the highest position in each chamber. In the upper chamber, Senate President Chiz Escudero remained in his post after getting 19 votes — 14 votes ahead of Sen. Tito Sotto who also vied for the Senate presidency.
In the House of Representatives, House Speaker Martin Romualdez who was poised to remain in his position after 278 congressmen allegedly signed a formal support to him indeed managed to keep his post. However, amid the House session, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte left.
Based on a post on the social media page of Inquirer, Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte, the eldest son of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was spotted leaving the South Wing of the House of Representatives. It happened moments after the opening of the nomination for the House Speakership.
In a statement, Congressman Pulong as what many of the Duterte supporters call him confirmed that he walked out during a House session after the roll call. Based on a post of ABS-CBN News on social media, he did not vote for the House Speakership nor joined the House Minority.
Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte stressed that refuses to “take part in a political circus that has long forgotten who it is supposed to serve — the Filipino people”. According to him, he chose to leave the session as he represented the people of Davao City and “not the political puppeteers nor the self-serving actors” who are painting an image of public servants in the Congress.
Furthermore, the Davao Congressman also stated that he will not lend his name nor his vote to any party that allegedly treats leadership not as an obligation but as a prize. According to him, he is “not a Dabawenyo for nothing” and he has principles and knows where he stands.
“What we are seeing is not governance — it is a game of thrones being played at the expense of the people. The public deserves better than political charades that reek of ambition, betrayal, and manufactured allegiances,” Duterte said in his statement.
Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte is unfazed if his action which he believes is a move for dignity will be seen as defiance. According to him, he did not run for Congress to play along but to represent the interest of his constituents.
Previously, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte admitted to asking her brother Congressman Paolo to run for the position of House Speaker. The Davao City’s 1st District Representative formed an independent bloc with Davao City 2nd district Rep. Omar Duterte, PPP Party-list Rep. Harold Duterte, and Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab.