Paolo Duterte’s office remains operational as he travels, kin say

Davao City 1st District Paolo Duterte’s office remains operational as he travels abroad, according to statements from his son and brother. — File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte’s brother and son have assured his constituents that the lawmaker’s office remains operational even as he travels abroad.

According to a statement from Rep. Duterte’s office issued on Friday, his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II and his brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said that programs such as medical assistance and emergency aid provision are ongoing, even before the campaign period for local candidates started on March 28.

“His son, Rodrigo ‘Rigo’ Duterte II, clarified that the First District Office remains operational. He said the lawmaker’s office continued assisting constituents by providing medical assistance, conducting medical missions, and giving emergency aid, among other programs, before the campaign started,” Rep. Duterte’s office said.

“Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the younger brother of the lawmaker, said he could vouch for Rep. Duterte, highlighting his numerous contributions to Davao City and its people in a separate speech on Wednesday evening. He assured the public that his brother would be home before the election on May 12,” his office added.

Rep. Duterte’s office later sent a copy of Rigo’s statements, saying that the lawmaker had to go abroad to visit his father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is under the custody of the International Criminal Court. The ICC is based in the Hague, the Netherlands.

“My father, Congressman Pulong, had to be there. His father, who is my grandfather, was brought to jail without an arrest warrant. Of course, as a son, he had to go,” Rigo said in a local dialect.

“People are accusing that the first district office has been closed… But look at what my father has done — conducting medical missions, aiding those in need, responding to fire victims. Are these not real?” he asked.

The statements from Rep. Duterte’s brother and son came after the House of Representatives approved his request for clearance to travel from March 20 to May 10, supposedly to go to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Singapore.

READ: Paolo Duterte gets House OK to travel to multiple countries

The travel authority was the second issued by the House to Rep. Duterte after his father was arrested on March 11 upon arriving in the country from Hong Kong. Local police assisted the International Criminal Police Organization in enforcing an arrest warrant issued by the ICC against the former president, who faces charges of crimes against humanity in connection with the deaths in his war against illegal drugs.

Rep. Duterte also assured the public that he has not neglected his duties.

In a recorded audio message during the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party campaign rally last Wednesday, Rep. Duterte said he aims to establish the city as “a hub of opportunities for its residents and fellow Filipinos seeking a better city future through various programs and projects.”

“Through our programs and projects, along with your trust and support, I am confident that we can achieve a progressive and thriving Davao City,” the lawmaker said.