* Says charges based on hearsay DAVAO CITY – Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has expressed willingness to face the investigation as long it is not based on hearsay testimony but on credible evidence.
The young lawmaker stated that the testimony of former Customs intelligence official Jimmy Guban, implicating him of smuggling anomalies.
“I welcome any investigation to be conducted by an impartial and credible body, as I have nothing to hide. However, I must stress that any call for investigation must be based on credible evidence, not on pure hearsay testimony from convicted felons like Jimmy Guban,” he added.
Guban and former Customs broker Mark Taguba implicated Rep. Duterte, as head of the Davao group, who is allegedly behind the smuggling of various items — including agricultural products during the past administration.
“I remain committed to clearing our name and confident that the truth will expose the baseless nature of these accusations. These testimonies, obtained under the guise of a witness protection program in exchange for furloughs, lack credibility and only undermine the integrity of any legitimate inquiry,” Duterte added.
He said that if Congress is truly serious about addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs, they must begin by investigating those listed in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) watchlist during President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
“This includes scrutinizing their members, especially those whose family members have been implicated in drug activities. Selective justice and political grandstanding have no place in this fight,” he added.
He also called on the House Quadruple Committee to pursue genuine and unbiased investigations.
“The nation deserves nothing less than the truth and a sincere commitment to the fight against illegal drugs. Let us not be distracted by politically motivated accusations or unreliable testimonies,” Duterte said, adding that, the facts should speak, and justice should prevail.
To clear his name, he said he already filed several perjury charges against convicted Guban.
“This is just the first step in ensuring accountability for those who spread falsehoods and attempt to tarnish reputations with fabricated stories,” Duterte further said.
