Paolo Duterte declines ICI probe on flood control irregularities

Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte declined the Independent Commission for Infrastructure's (ICI) invitation to probe alleged flood-control irregularities in his district, citing separation of powers.

Duterte argued that the ICI, created by President Marcos Jr. through E.O. No. 94, lacks jurisdiction over him as an executive branch entity.

He also questioned the invitation's lack of factual and legal bases, deeming it vague and ambiguous.

The congressman stated he was not a member of the House Committee on Appropriations from 2019 to 2022, making him "incompetent to answer" the ICI's questions.

Duterte suggested the ICI obtain necessary information from agencies like the DPWH or DBM instead of Congress.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon affirmed that Duterte has the right to skip the ICI probe, but noted this means waiving his right to respond to the fact-finding body.

Ridon clarified that while Duterte cannot be compelled to attend, declining the invitation was a missed opportunity to address issues concerning flood control projects in his district.