Four Davao-based congressmen form independent bloc

On Monday, Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and three other Davao-based congressmen declared themselves part of an independent bloc in the House of Representatives after abstaining from voting for newly elected Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The bloc includes Omar Duterte (Davao 2nd district), Harold Duterte (PPP Party-list), and Isidro Ungab (Davao 3rd district) who all walked out of the plenary session following the roll call vote.

Paolo Duterte stated that he represents Davao City rather than aligning with political factions, emphasizing his commitment to serving constituents without partisan constraints.

Rep. Isidro Ungab, a pro-Duterte lawmaker, later confirmed his intention to join the independent bloc after initially abstaining from voting for the Speaker.

The four lawmakers have been vocal in their opposition against recent legislative investigations targeting Rodrigo Duterte and Sara Duterte, with Paolo highlighting that leadership should be seen as a responsibility rather than a prize.