Congressman Paolo Z. Duterte has issued a strong statement welcoming any impartial and credible investigation into allegations raised against him, emphasizing that he has “nothing to hide.”
In his statement, Duterte criticized the reliance on what he called “pure hearsay testimony” from convicted felon Jimmy Guban, questioning the credibility of testimonies provided under the guise of the witness protection program.
“I welcome any investigation to be conducted by an impartial and credible body, as I have nothing to hide,” Duterte said. “However, I must stress that any call for investigation must be based on credible evidence, not on pure hearsay testimony from convicted felon like Jimmy Guban.”
Duterte also challenged Congress to demonstrate a genuine commitment to tackling the illegal drug trade by investigating individuals included in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) watchlist from the Duterte administration, including their own members.
“If Congress is truly serious about addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs, they must begin by investigating those listed in the PDEA watchlist during the Duterte administration,” he said. “This includes scrutinizing their own members, especially those whose family members have been implicated in drug activities.”
The congressman revealed that he has already filed perjury charges against Guban, describing it as “just the first step in ensuring accountability for those who spread falsehoods.”
He further called on the House Quadruple Committee to prioritize unbiased inquiries, stating, “Selective justice and political grandstanding have no place in this fight. Let us not be distracted by politically motivated accusations or unreliable testimonies. Let the facts speak, and let justice prevail.”
Duterte’s statement underscores his resolve to clear his name and his call for transparency in addressing the broader issue of illegal drugs in the country.
