Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Wednesday hit back at House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan after she criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for holding what she described as repeated press conferences amid her impeachment trial.

“Wag po kayong [VP Sara Duterte] mag-press conference, kasi hindi po ‘yan ang korte ng bayan,” Kapunan said. She added that the impeachment court is the proper venue for addressing questions involving accountable funds.

In a statement dated Aug. 19, Duterte accused Kapunan of turning the impeachment proceedings into a source of political attacks against his family.

“Atty. Kapunan, tama na ang pagiging marites ng impeachment,” Duterte said, using a Filipino slang term referring to someone who engages in gossip or rumors.

He said the recent incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga should be investigated as a criminal matter and should not be used to advance what he called an “anti-Duterte narrative.”

“Ang nangyari sa Ateneo de Zamboanga ay isang krimen na kailangang imbestigahan at panagutin ang mga responsable—not another episode ng impeachment propaganda,” Duterte said.

He also hit back at Kapunan’s criticism of VP Sara Duterte’s media appearances, saying the public knows who has spent months holding press conferences and promoting narratives.

“Parang teleserye na matagal nang na-cancel pero pilit pa ring naghahanap ng bagong season,” the Mayor said.

Duterte challenged those making accusations to present evidence and prove their claims.

“Kung may ebidensiya, ilabas. Kung may kaso, patunayan,” he said.

Duterte also rejected calls from Akbayan for the Vice President to appear personally in the impeachment proceedings if she wants a speedy trial.

“Speedy trial does not mean speedy surrender to a predetermined narrative,” he said.

The congressman argued that the vice president does not need to attend every impeachment hearing personally because her lawyers can present her defense.

“Hindi porke’t hindi siya nakaupo sa hearing room ay maaari nang sabihing umiiwas siya sa accountability,” Duterte said.

He said the proceedings should instead focus on evidence, due process and a fair hearing.

“Pagtarong mo diha kay pasagad ra mog yawit,” Duterte added in Cebuano, roughly meaning that the person should think before speaking recklessly.