Pulong Duterte's office remains functional, serves people, son Rigo says

The office of Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte remains open and functional even if the lawmaker is not physically present there, his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II said.

Rigo made the assurance to his father’s constituents a week after the House of Representatives announced that the congressman has been granted clearance to travel to 16 countries and in Hong Kong from March 20 to May 10, 2025. 

The clearance was granted after Congressman Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and brought to The Hague to face alleged crimes against humanity charges filed against him with the International Criminal Court (ICC) over drug war and Davao Death Squad murders.

“My father, Congressman Pulong, had to be there. His father, who is my grandfather, was brought to jail without an arrest warrant. Of course, as a son, he had to go,” Rigo said in a local dialect during the local party Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL) campaign rally this week.

“This [situation we are in] does not mean that he (Congressman Duterte) abandoned his responsibilities. People are accusing that the first district office has been closed...but look at what my father has done—conducting medical missions, aiding those in need, responding to [the needs of the] fire victims,” Rigo said.

“While I wanted to join my father and the rest of their family in The Hague, myself and my siblings Omar and Isabelle were advised to remain in Davao City to continue serving the people,” he added.

Rigo, who is running for councilor in the 1st district, then rallied the crowd to reelect his father in Congress, as well as vote for President Duetrte as the next mayor of Davao City and his uncle, incumbent Davao city mayor, Sebastian Duterte, as Davao city vice mayor together with the rest of the lineup of the HTL party for the May 2025 elections.

“We must unite for my grandfather, Mayor Rody Duterte, to return as mayor. We also stand together for Vice President Sara Duterte to become the next President of the Philippines in 2028,” Rigo said.

In an audio statement played during the same HTL campaign rally, Rep. Duterte vowed to make the city "a hub of opportunities that fosters economic growth, social development, and inclusivity."

“Through our programs and projects, along with your trust and support, I am confident that we can achieve a progressive and thriving Davao City,” the congressman said. —AOL, GMA Integrated News