Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte criticized what he described as a “double standard” in the continuing attacks against his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, the lawmaker said it was insulting how some sectors allegedly show sympathy toward convicted individuals whose cases have already been affirmed by courts, while directing intense criticism at the vice president, who he said faces no case, evidence or court ruling.
Paolo Duterte said the moral outrage in the country has become selective, pointing out that Vice President Sara Duterte is treated as guilty in public discourse despite the absence of formal charges or judicial findings.
He added that critics who frequently speak about human rights are, in his view, the first to disregard the presumption of innocence. According to him, those who loudly invoke the rule of law are also quick to abandon it when the narrative does not align with their position.
The Davao City lawmaker stressed that sympathy should not outweigh accountability, and accusations should not take precedence over proof.
He said the issue, in his view, is not the Duterte family, but what he called hypocrisy, where those with confirmed guilt are allegedly excused, while individuals without cases are publicly attacked.
The statement comes amid continued public scrutiny and criticism directed at Vice President Sara Duterte, though no formal case has been filed against her, according to the lawmaker.
Paolo Duterte did not name specific individuals or groups he was referring to, but maintained that fairness and adherence to legal principles should apply equally to all, regardless of political alignment.
