Vice President Sara Duterte labeled the complaint filed against her brother, Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, as a political move by the Marcos administration to discredit their family.
During a visit to Zamboanga City on Saturday, VP Duterte claimed the administration targets political opponents whenever it faces major controversies. “Whenever there’s a scandal involving them, they try to distract the public by attacking their political rivals,” she told reporters.
She also mentioned she hasn’t spoken with her brother yet about the allegations, and isn’t sure if their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte—currently detained in The Hague for charges related to extrajudicial killings—has been informed.
The complaint was filed by a businessman who alleged that Pulong assaulted and threatened him with a knife at a Davao City bar on February 23. The case, lodged before the Department of Justice, cites violations of Articles 265 and 282 of the Revised Penal Code.
While Representative Duterte has remained publicly silent, he addressed the public in a video message, saying, “This happened a while ago. It’s still up to you, my fellow Davaoeños, who you want as your congressman.”
Meanwhile, Malacañang responded to VP Duterte’s accusations through Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, who said a formal reply would be made during Monday’s briefing.