Pulong Duterte Rejects ICI Summons, Cites Lack of Authority

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has rejected the invitation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to appear before its investigation into the alleged irregularities in flood control projects in his district.

Duterte slammed the commission, saying wala raw kapangyarihan ang ICI na ipatawag ang isang mambabatas at binansagan niya itong political harassment.

In a strongly worded letter sent to ICI Chairman Andres B. Reyes Jr., Duterte argued that the commission created under Executive Order No. 94 is part of the Executive branch and therefore has no authority to compel a sitting member of the House of Representatives to testify, citing the Constitution’s separation of powers.

He also accused the commission of issuing an unclear and baseless invitation, lacking factual and legal foundation.

Ayon pa kay Duterte, may full access na ang Executive branch to all documents and information it needs through government agencies. Dahil dito, hindi raw kinakailangan ng Malacañang na “dumulog pa sa Kongreso” para hingin ang anumang detalye tungkol sa mga proyektong saklaw ng Executive.

Duterte further stressed that he was never part of the House Committee on Appropriations from 2019 to 2022 the period being linked to the alleged anomalies meaning wala raw siyang maibibigay na sagot sa mga tanong ng ICI.

As of now, the ICI has not yet issued a response to Duterte’s refusal to appear before the panel investigating the flood control scandal.