Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte Faces Criminal Complaint Over Alleged Bar Assault

Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte is facing a criminal complaint for alleged physical assault and threats stemming from an incident at a bar in Davao City last February. Kristone John Moreno, 37, filed the complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor on May 2, citing violations of Articles 265 (Slight Physical Injuries and Maltreatment) and 282 (Grave Threats) of the Revised Penal Code.

According to the complaint, the incident took place in the early hours of February 23, 2025, at Hearsay Gastropub in Barangay Obrero. Moreno claimed that he had been drinking earlier that evening with Duterte, businessman Charlie Tan, and others at Tan’s residence in Barangay Maa. The group later proceeded to the bar after midnight.

The complaint alleges that tensions escalated when Duterte, reportedly intoxicated, became irate over an arrangement involving women for his bodyguards. Moreno was allegedly assaulted after failing to meet the congressman’s demands. The document details multiple physical attacks, including being pushed down stairs, punched, kicked, slapped, and threatened with a knife. The complainant also stated that the bar’s CCTV cameras were allegedly turned off during the assault, although separate footage that has surfaced online appears to show part of the incident.

The footage, which has circulated widely, shows a man resembling Duterte confronting another individual, eventually striking him with what appears to be the handle of a knife. Observers in the background can be seen during the altercation.

Moreno did not immediately seek medical assistance, citing fear for his safety. He later came forward with the complaint and submitted the CCTV footage as part of his evidence.

The controversy comes at a critical time in the local political landscape. Rep. Duterte is seeking reelection in Davao City, while his brother, incumbent Mayor Sebastian Duterte, is running for vice mayor. Their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently in detention at The Hague and facing charges before the International Criminal Court, is also mounting a mayoral bid in the city.

As of this writing, Rep. Duterte has not publicly responded to the allegations. The Office of the City Prosecutor is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether there is probable cause to pursue formal charges.