Manila, Philippines – Davao 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte dared ACT Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio to go to Davao and see for himself the flood control projects in the region.
This follows Tinio’s recent allegations of red flag flood control projects in the district.
In a statement, Duterte argued that Davao has nothing to hide and that all projects were validated and inspected by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and of Commission on Audit (COA).
He emphasized that there are no ghost projects in Davao and all projects and structures are built and are existing.
He likewise criticized Tinio over dragging Davao into the political drama with baseless accusations.
“You claim to have “uncovered” anomalies — but did you ever question DPWH with your so-called facts? Or did you just piece together numbers to sound relevant again?”
“So here’s my advice to Tinio: come to Davao, walk the riverbanks, see the projects, and talk to the people whose homes no longer flood because of those structures. Then maybe you’ll realize the only thing missing in your so-called investigation is the truth,” Duterte said.
The lawmaker said that if what they seek is accountability, then the investigation should start on Luzon, with various ghost and substandard projects instead of dragging Davao.
Duterte also called out the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) who conducts inspection in Davao over flood control projects, arguing that real and credible people should investigate rather than retired police and “recycled” appointees.
TINIO CLAPS BACK: DUTERTE SHOULD WELCOME FULL, TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION IF DAVAO HAS NOTHING TO HIDE
On Thursday, Tinio responded to Duterte, emphasizing that this is not a political drama.
Tinio noted that the data he presented were from the data of DPWH itself, and that even ICI has inspected a collapsed flood control project in Davao River.
“So Congressman Duterte says these projects were inspected and validated by DPWH and COA, yet an inspection team led by Azurin and ICI advisor Mayor Magalong found a collapsed project and is now questioning the materials used and calling for contract reviews and sanctions. Sino ba ang dapat paniwalaan?,” Tinio said.
In his defense, Tinio said that the point of tehse allegations is not about whether the projects were existing. Rather if it is built on its supposed location, if it is in line with its supposed specifications to hold off floods, and if the funds were used properly or not.
Tinio reiterated his plans to file a resolution to hold a congressional inquiry on these alleged anomalies in Davao City.
He also dared Duterte to welcome full and transparent investigation if Davao really has nothing to hide.
“Congressman Duterte says Davao has nothing to hide. Good. Then he should welcome a full, transparent investigation of all flood control and infrastructure projects in his district. The Filipino people deserve answers about how P4.35 billion in public funds was spent—or misspent,” Tinio adde.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News