Photo credit: City Government of Davao

Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte fired off a blistering response to ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro and Rep. Antonio Tinio, rejecting claims that he backed out of the ongoing inquiry of the House’s Independent Committee of Inquiry (ICI).

Duterte insisted he made a choice — not out of fear, but out of principle.

“Hindi ako umatras. Umayaw ako sa palabas. Magkaiba ’yun,” he said, stressing that he refuses to participate in what he described as a “scripted circus.”

According to Duterte, the ICI is far from independent. He accused the panel of operating as a “propaganda factory” for the Palace, claiming its proceedings target lawmakers not aligned with the administration.

“Kung naniniwala kang ‘independent’ ang ICI, kayo na lang ang hindi nakakakita na propaganda factory ito ng Palasyo…” he said.

Duterte maintained he has nothing to hide, emphasizing that his records are open and that all district projects can be examined anytime. He reiterated that he was never involved in the appropriations committee, fund disbursement, or project implementation.

“As I’ve said time and time again, the records are readily available… I was never part of the appropriations committee nor was I involved in the disbursement of funds… I therefore see no reason for me to appear before the ICI.”

He then delivered one of his sharpest lines yet, suggesting that the ICI’s members are the ones acting out of fear:
“Kayo yata ang dinadaga kasi takot kayo at naging bayaran ng isang bangag. Ano na, mga teachers, yan ba nagrerepresent sa inyo?”

Duterte also slammed Tinio for questioning his courage:
“At huwag mo akong turuan ng tapang habang nasa propaganda committee ka rin sumasayaw.”

He ended his statement with a strong rejection of what he calls a political setup:
“Galit ka dahil ’di niyo ako napapunta sa trap niyo? Ugok, di ako pinanganak kahapon!”

As tensions rise, Duterte says he stands firm: his conscience is clear, his office is open, and he won’t participate in what he considers political theater.