Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is calling for a comprehensive investigation by the proposed Truth Commission on extrajudicial killings, saying it should not selectively pursue cases.
“Truth is truth. Hindi puwedeng pili lang ang gustong hanapan ng katotohanan,” Duterte said.
He said alleged killings should be investigated and those found responsible should be held accountable, but questioned the perceived focus on the drug war while corruption allegations involving billions of pesos in flood-control funds are also being investigated.
“If Truth Commission tayo, bakit parang may truth na naka-fast track at may truth na naka-pending?” Duterte said.
His remarks come as the National Bureau of Investigation has flagged 51 Davao City flood-control projects for potential irregularities, including six that investigators identified as strong candidates for being ghost projects. The NBI also said a single contractor secured around P7 billion worth of flood-control projects in Davao from 2018 to 2024.
“Bilyun-bilyong pera ng taxpayers ang pinag-uusapan. Projects na dapat proteksyon sa baha ang pinagdududahan,” Duterte said, calling for investigators to determine where the money went, who benefited, who ordered the projects, and who protected those involved.
Duterte stressed that he was not opposing an investigation into the drug war, but urged authorities to investigate all relevant issues.
“Hindi ko sinasabing huwag imbestigahan ang drug war. Imbestigahan lahat,” he said.
A House proposal, House Bill 6686, seeks to establish a Truth Commission on Extrajudicial Killings with investigative, subpoena, and contempt powers.
The measure remains pending with the House Committee on Human Rights.
