Davao Rep. Duterte confirms P51B flood control funds during pandemic

Davao City Representative Paolo "Polong" Duterte confirmed his district received P51 billion for flood control projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He challenged authorities to inspect the projects on the ground, stating that "Davao has nothing to hide" and that the projects are tangible and can be utilized by constituents.

Duterte accused the Marcos administration and its allies in the House of Representatives of singling out his family and Davao City.

He urged them to focus on flood control anomalies and avoid "dragging the Dutertes" to cover up issues.

The disclosure of the P51 billion allocation was initially made by DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral during a House committee on infrastructure hearing, who admitted that in her personal opinion, the funds might have been better spent on pandemic response.

House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin had also questioned the allocation, suggesting the funds could have been used for medicine and equipment procurement.