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Advocates Philippines
Paolo Duterte Rejects ICI Summons, Calls Probe 'Political Agenda'
Photo credit: Pulong Duterte
Davao City First District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte has turned down the invitation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), saying the body has “no power, no jurisdiction, and a clear political agenda.”
In a strongly worded letter to ICI Chair Andres B. Reyes Jr., Duterte said the commission—created through Executive Order No. 94—is part of the Executive branch and therefore cannot compel a sitting congressman to appear before it. He argued that the principle of separation of powers protects him from being summoned by a body under Malacañang.
According to Duterte, the ICI’s invitation was vague, lacking both details and legal basis. He insisted that due process requires clarity—something he claims the commission failed to provide.
He also said the Executive branch already has access to all the documents it needs through agencies such as DPWH, DBM, DOJ, DENR, DICT, and DTI. Because these agencies directly handle projects under question, Duterte said the Palace “need not look to Congress” for answers.
Duterte further stressed that he wasn’t even part of the House Appropriations Committee from 2019 to 2022—the years tied to alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. For this reason, he said he is “incompetent to answer” whatever questions the ICI may have.
But on the second page of his letter, Duterte went even further.
He claimed that if the commission truly wants to uncover irregularities, it should investigate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, their family, and former Speaker of the house Martin Romualdez, citing allegations raised by former lawmaker Elizalde Co about flood-control projects in Regions I and VIII from 2022 to 2025.
Calling these allegations shocking, Duterte said they deserve scrutiny more than the issues being pinned on him.
He accused the Marcos administration of weaponizing the ICI to distract from its own controversies and to weaken both him and Vice President Sara Duterte ahead of the 2028 elections.
“To use me and my sister VP Sara to divert the truth is highly unacceptable,” Duterte wrote.
He closed his letter by describing the ICI as nothing more than President Marcos Jr.’s tool for political propaganda, insisting that the Duterte family is being targeted.
The ICI has yet to issue a response to the congressman’s refusal.
In a strongly worded letter to ICI Chair Andres B. Reyes Jr., Duterte said the commission—created through Executive Order No. 94—is part of the Executive branch and therefore cannot compel a sitting congressman to appear before it. He argued that the principle of separation of powers protects him from being summoned by a body under Malacañang.
According to Duterte, the ICI’s invitation was vague, lacking both details and legal basis. He insisted that due process requires clarity—something he claims the commission failed to provide.
He also said the Executive branch already has access to all the documents it needs through agencies such as DPWH, DBM, DOJ, DENR, DICT, and DTI. Because these agencies directly handle projects under question, Duterte said the Palace “need not look to Congress” for answers.
Duterte further stressed that he wasn’t even part of the House Appropriations Committee from 2019 to 2022—the years tied to alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. For this reason, he said he is “incompetent to answer” whatever questions the ICI may have.
But on the second page of his letter, Duterte went even further.
He claimed that if the commission truly wants to uncover irregularities, it should investigate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, their family, and former Speaker of the house Martin Romualdez, citing allegations raised by former lawmaker Elizalde Co about flood-control projects in Regions I and VIII from 2022 to 2025.
Calling these allegations shocking, Duterte said they deserve scrutiny more than the issues being pinned on him.
He accused the Marcos administration of weaponizing the ICI to distract from its own controversies and to weaken both him and Vice President Sara Duterte ahead of the 2028 elections.
“To use me and my sister VP Sara to divert the truth is highly unacceptable,” Duterte wrote.
He closed his letter by describing the ICI as nothing more than President Marcos Jr.’s tool for political propaganda, insisting that the Duterte family is being targeted.
The ICI has yet to issue a response to the congressman’s refusal.
Dec 4, 2025
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