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Advocates Philippines
'Na-Trigger Daw': Businessman Claims Rep. Paolo Duterte's Bar Assault Stemmed From Payment Issues With Hired Women
Screengrab from viral video
It started out as just another night of drinks, music, and hired company—but what happened next is now the center of a brewing controversy involving Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.
A self-confessed pimp-businessman has come forward to shed light on what he claims really sparked the alleged assault by the lawmaker last February 2025. In an interview with vlogger Niño Barzaga last Saturday, May 3, the businessman said it all began with what he called payment issues involving women hired for the private drinking session.
“Dalawang beses siya na-trigger,” he said, explaining that Duterte first got upset when one of his bodyguards wasn’t given a woman to accompany him. The second trigger, according to the source, came after Duterte supposedly gave only P1,000 to one of the women—despite hours spent together. “Medyo mahaba ’yung oras na nag-inuman kami pero binigay [sa babae] 1k lang. Doon biglang nag-react ’yung babae… doon nagalit siya sa akin, hindi sa babae,” he added.
The confrontation allegedly escalated further when Duterte noticed a CCTV camera at the bar. The businessman claimed the lawmaker had it shut off—right before things turned violent.
“Noong nasa baba na kami, parang napansin niya na may CCTV, pina-off niya. After that, 2 hours niya ako binugbog eh,” the accuser said.
He also emphasized that he couldn’t have faked the whole thing since he doesn’t own the establishment where the assault supposedly happened. Adding more layers to the controversy, the businessman revealed that it wasn’t the first time Duterte had requested women from him. “Pang-apat na beses na ’yan,” he claimed, noting it usually happens when Duterte is with his business partner or Chinese friends.
As to why he didn’t report the matter directly to the Davao police, the accuser said he feared for his safety. “Kasi kung sa Davao ako lumapit baka ma-mali ’yung taong malapitan ko at baka ma-ano agad sa kaniya,” he said, explaining his decision to go straight to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Interestingly, the man said he harbored no ill will toward the Duterte family before the incident. “Wala akong against sa tatay niya, sa kapatid niyang babae… That time lang talaga na ginawa niya sa akin ’yung pagbugbog.”
The DOJ has confirmed receiving the complaint, which accuses Duterte of physical injuries and grave threats. Meanwhile, Rep. Duterte has said he is waiting for the authentication of a circulating video allegedly showing him assaulting the man at the bar. He added he cannot yet respond to the complaint until he officially receives a copy of it.
As for the authenticity of the footage, the accuser remains firm. “Tingnan niyo naman ’yung video. Siya na siya talaga. At tingnan pa natin ’yung CCTV sa labas,” he said, pointing out they were clearly seen entering and leaving the bar together.
The case is now in the DOJ’s hands—and if proven true, this incident could have serious implications for the lawmaker known for keeping a low profile in the public eye.
A self-confessed pimp-businessman has come forward to shed light on what he claims really sparked the alleged assault by the lawmaker last February 2025. In an interview with vlogger Niño Barzaga last Saturday, May 3, the businessman said it all began with what he called payment issues involving women hired for the private drinking session.
“Dalawang beses siya na-trigger,” he said, explaining that Duterte first got upset when one of his bodyguards wasn’t given a woman to accompany him. The second trigger, according to the source, came after Duterte supposedly gave only P1,000 to one of the women—despite hours spent together. “Medyo mahaba ’yung oras na nag-inuman kami pero binigay [sa babae] 1k lang. Doon biglang nag-react ’yung babae… doon nagalit siya sa akin, hindi sa babae,” he added.
The confrontation allegedly escalated further when Duterte noticed a CCTV camera at the bar. The businessman claimed the lawmaker had it shut off—right before things turned violent.
“Noong nasa baba na kami, parang napansin niya na may CCTV, pina-off niya. After that, 2 hours niya ako binugbog eh,” the accuser said.
He also emphasized that he couldn’t have faked the whole thing since he doesn’t own the establishment where the assault supposedly happened. Adding more layers to the controversy, the businessman revealed that it wasn’t the first time Duterte had requested women from him. “Pang-apat na beses na ’yan,” he claimed, noting it usually happens when Duterte is with his business partner or Chinese friends.
As to why he didn’t report the matter directly to the Davao police, the accuser said he feared for his safety. “Kasi kung sa Davao ako lumapit baka ma-mali ’yung taong malapitan ko at baka ma-ano agad sa kaniya,” he said, explaining his decision to go straight to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Interestingly, the man said he harbored no ill will toward the Duterte family before the incident. “Wala akong against sa tatay niya, sa kapatid niyang babae… That time lang talaga na ginawa niya sa akin ’yung pagbugbog.”
The DOJ has confirmed receiving the complaint, which accuses Duterte of physical injuries and grave threats. Meanwhile, Rep. Duterte has said he is waiting for the authentication of a circulating video allegedly showing him assaulting the man at the bar. He added he cannot yet respond to the complaint until he officially receives a copy of it.
As for the authenticity of the footage, the accuser remains firm. “Tingnan niyo naman ’yung video. Siya na siya talaga. At tingnan pa natin ’yung CCTV sa labas,” he said, pointing out they were clearly seen entering and leaving the bar together.
The case is now in the DOJ’s hands—and if proven true, this incident could have serious implications for the lawmaker known for keeping a low profile in the public eye.
May 6, 2025
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