Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte on Saturday hit back at what he described as “baseless and recycled accusations” made by Representative Paolo Ortega, calling on his fellow lawmaker to focus on solving issues in his own district instead of “creating drama for attention.”
In a strongly worded statement, Duterte dismissed Ortega’s allegations as nothing more than political theatrics.
“Ilang taon na yang inimbentong storya na ‘yan, makinig ka naman sa mga tao, alam nila ang katotohanan… pagod na rin sila makinig sa gawa-gawang kwento niyo, Totoy,” said Duterte.
The Davao lawmaker also challenged Ortega to present proof if his claims were true, rather than relying on public statements.
“Putak ka nang putak, pero ni isa wala kang maipakitang ebidensya. Kung totoo man ang sinasabi mo, ipakita mo — hindi puro drama at press release,” Duterte added.
He further accused Ortega and his allies of trying to divert public attention away from alleged irregularities in flood control projects and corruption in Congress.
“Halata naman na pinipilit niyong ilihis ang totoong problema — ang flood control at korapsyon n’yo sa Kongreso. Baka gusto mong ayusin muna ‘yang problema na ‘yan sa lugar mo bago ka maghanap ng gulo sa labas ng sariling bakuran mo,” he further stressed.
Duterte also took a jab at Ortega’s public persona, saying he might be better off in another line of work if he only seeks attention through controversies.
“Kung wala kang alam kundi manira para mapansin, e di wag ka na lang mag-congressman, mag-podcast ka na lang,” the lawmaker said.
He ended his statement with a pointed remark, questioning the whereabouts of Ortega’s alleged political patrons.
“Paano na amo mo si Charice, BBM, Martin at Zaldy — nagpaparamdam pa ba? Flood control mo sa lugar mo, napaayos mo ba agad?”
As of press time, Ortega has yet to respond to Duterte’s statement.