A war of words erupted between Rep. Antonio Tinio and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte after the former alleged that more than ₱4.3 billion worth of flood control projects in Davao were riddled with irregularities.
Tinio, a member of the Makabayan Bloc, said 80 out of 121 contracts for flood control works along the Davao and Matina Rivers from 2019 to 2022 showed “red flags.” He cited findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and budget records pointing to double funding, location changes, and overpricing.
According to Tinio, the projects — supposedly implemented in Duterte’s first legislative district — were largely funded through “congressional insertions” not included in the original national budget. He urged the Commission on Audit, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and the Ombudsman to investigate.
Rep. Paolo Duterte swiftly hit back, calling Tinio’s claims “desperate and baseless.” He said all flood control structures in question were inspected and validated by DPWH and COA.
“Davao has nothing to hide. The projects exist — they’re serving the people. They are not ghosts,” Duterte said, accusing Tinio of staging a “political circus” to stay relevant.
Duterte also lashed out at the Makabayan Bloc and the ICI, questioning their credibility and alleging political bias. Switching between English and Cebuano, he challenged Tinio to visit Davao and inspect the flood projects himself.
“Stop using Davao for your political drama,” he said. “We build, we deliver, we protect — while others just talk.”
