Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte Declines Invitation by Independent Commission for Infrastructure Probe

Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has officially declined the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) request to participate in its probe into flood control projects within his district. Duterte shared excerpts of his letter to the ICI on his Facebook page, stating that he believes the commission "appears without power nor jurisdiction over me."

He further criticized the invitation as "vague and ambiguous," highlighting the absence of specific details or allegations from the commission’s side. Duterte emphasized that relevant documents and data are already accessible to the Executive branch through government bodies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Budget and Management.

"Malacañang need not look to Congress for matters involving projects under the Executive’s supervision," Duterte added, underscoring the proper channel for investigation oversight.

This decision contrasts with Duterte’s earlier stance just a day prior, where he welcomed the ICI’s inquiry. At that time, he remarked, "Una sa lahat, I welcome the investigation. Wala tayong tinatago, wala tayong tinatakbuhan, at wala tayong kinakatakutan. Kung may imbestigasyon ang ICI, that is very much welcome." (Firstly, I welcome the investigation. I have nothing to hide, I am not running away from anything, I am not afraid of anything. If there’s an ICI investigation, that is very much welcome.)

He had also expressed hope that the probe would clarify the origins of the problems and identify the true beneficiaries of any irregularities, aiming to dispel recurring claims that the Dutertes are responsible for anomalies. "Mas maganda ngang imbestigahan – para makita kung saan talaga nanggaling ang problema at sino ang tunay na nakinabang. Para matapos na ang paulit-ulit na narrative na Duterte ang may kasalanan kahit saan ang anomalya," he stated. (It is better to have an investigation – so that we can see where the problems are coming from and who truly benefited from it. So that the narrative that the Dutertes are to blame for anomalies will end.)

Duterte's refusal raises questions regarding the scope of the ICI’s authority and the coordination between congressional and executive oversight on infrastructure development projects.