DAVAO City 1st District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte on Monday declared his refusal to participate in the recent House leadership vote, slamming what he described as a “political circus” that has veered far from its duty to serve the Filipino people.
In a strongly worded statement, Rep. Duterte explained that he neither voted for Speaker nor joined the so-called Minority bloc, saying the current political landscape in Congress has become a “game of thrones” driven by ambition and betrayal.
“I refuse to take part in a political circus that has long forgotten who it is supposed to serve — the Filipino people,” Duterte said.
The lawmaker, along with fellow Davao legislators, walked out of the session after the roll call, citing his responsibility to the constituents of Davao City rather than to “political puppeteers” or “self-serving actors parading as public servants.”
“I will not lend my name nor my vote to any side that treats leadership as a prize, not a responsibility,” Duterte added. “I am not a Dabawenyo for nothing. I have principles. I know where I stand.”
Criticizing the current atmosphere in the House of Representatives, Duterte said it now resembles a “hollow theater where the script is written by the powerful,” leaving the rest “hanging.”
“The public deserves better than political charades that reek of ambition, betrayal, and manufactured allegiances,” he said.
Duterte emphasized that his refusal to support any faction is an act of principle, not defiance. “I did not run for Congress to play along. I ran to represent the interests of my constituents — with honor, conviction, and the courage to walk away from what is wrong.”
His remarks come amid mounting tension and realignments in the House of Representatives, as lawmakers vie for control of leadership positions in the wake of internal power shifts.