Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte Cites Presence of Son of Pres. Bongbong Marcos in Congress
PAOLO DUTERTE – The Davao 1st District Congressman dared Pres. Bongbong Marcos to file charges against the congressmen linked to flood control corruption.
The flood control mess in the Philippines triggered criticisms not just against the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but as well as some government officials. Unexpectedly, during a Senate flood probe, controversial contractors Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya name-dropped several government officials who allegedly received kickback from the government flood control deals.
Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde was one of the congressmen accused by the Discayas to have allegedly taken part from their DPWH projects. The controversial contractors also accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, Marikina Congressman Marcy Teodoro, and Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo.
Aside from the above-mentioned government officials, the Discaya couple also accused the following persons of allegedly receiving kickback from flood control projects:
- Terence Calatrava, Former Undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas of the Philippines
- USWAG Ilonggo Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang
- Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas
- AGAP Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones
- San Jose del Monte Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes
- Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
- Former congressman Benjamin Agarao, Jr.
- Former congressman Florencio Gabriel Noel
- Occidental Mindoro Rep. Odie Tarriela
- Quezon Rep. Reynante Arrogancia
- Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo
- Former congressman Teodorico Haresco, Jr.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives launched investigations on the flood control issue in the Philippines. Pres. Bongbong Marcos also ordered the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure or the ICI that will probe the infra projects of the government as well as the violations against the anti-graft and corruption laws.
The ICI has a broad range of power. The three-member body has the power to move for the freezing and the seizure of the assets linked to irregularities. It also has the subpoena power. Amid the issue, Davao 1st District Cong. Paolo Duterte challenged Marcos Jr. to file charges against the congressmen who are linked to the flood control corruption.
Based on a post of News5 on social media, Davao 1st District Cong. Paolo Duterte doubted that Pres. Bongbong Marcos has no knowledge over the alleged corruption in the Congress. He cited the presence of presidential son and Ilocos Norte Congressman Sandro Marcos in the House of Representatives.
“Huwag naman nating sabihing sa halos apat na taon bilang Pangulo, wala ka man lang alam sa korapsyon sa Kongreso. Eh nandiyan mismo ang anak mo bilang Majority Leader,” Duterte said.
Davao Cong. Paolo Duterte further expressed that if Pres. Bongbong Marcos is really serious in the fight against corruption, he should file charges against the corrupt members of the Congress. Based on the post, he stressed that the corruption problem will not end with just being emotional or using flowery words.
“Mr. President, ano ba ‘to? Kung seryoso ka talaga laban sa korapsyon, bakit hindi ka mag-file agad ng kaso laban sa mga tiwaling mambabatas? Hindi matatapos ang corruption sa iyak-iyak at bolahan lang… Patunayan naman natin hindi lang ito puro salita,” the Davao solon said.
Amid the issues against him, presidential cousin and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez resigned as House Speaker — which House Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun called a “sacrifice for the country”.