Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte has declined to attend the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control projects within his district.
This comes just days after he publicly stated that he welcomed the investigation and had nothing to hide. In a letter addressed to ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr., Duterte argued that the commission has no authority over House members and described the summons as political harassment.
He noted that the ICI was created under Executive Order No. 94, placing it under the executive branch. Because of this, he said lawmakers cannot be compelled to appear before the commission due to the constitutional separation of powers.
Duterte also questioned the legal basis of the ICI invitation. He said due process requires clarity, fairness, and respect, adding that the request lacked specific factual and legal details.
The congressman stressed that the executive branch already has full access to documents related to the matter through agencies including DPWH, DBM, DOJ, DENR, DICT, and DTI. He further said he was not part of the House Committee on Appropriations between 2019 and 2022, the period linked to the alleged irregularities, and therefore does not see himself as the proper person to respond.
Duterte suggested the ICI should instead investigate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his family, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, citing earlier accusations made by Elizaldy Co involving flood control projects in Regions I and VIII.
