Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, on Thursday, declined an invitation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to attend hearings regarding anomalous flood control projects.

In a letter addressed to ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr., Duterte argued that the commission, being part of the executive branch, does not have the authority to summon or compel a sitting member of Congress.

"The ICI appears without power nor jurisdiction over me," Duterte wrote.

He also criticized the invitation as “vague and ambiguous,” saying it lacked a factual and legal basis.

"Absent any particulars or details of matters in the possession of ICI, it is part of due process, fairness, and respect," he added.

Duterte pointed out that the executive branch already has full access to the necessary documents through agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

He emphasized that Malacañang does not need to rely on Congress for matters related to projects under executive supervision.

The congressman also noted that he was not a member of the House Appropriations Committee from 2019 to 2022, stating that he is “incompetent to answer” the commission’s inquiries.

Duterte further accused the ICI of being used as a political tool, saying it was targeting him and Vice President Sara Duterte to divert attention from other controversies.

"To use me and my sister VP Sara to divert the truth… is highly unacceptable and deplorable," he wrote.

Despite his refusal, Duterte had previously expressed his willingness to cooperate with investigations, asserting that he has nothing to hide.

"Una sa lahat, I welcome the investigation. Wala tayong tinatago, wala tayong tinatakbuhan, at wala tayong kinakatakutan. Kung may imbestigasyon ang ICI, that is very much welcome," Duterte said on Wednesday.

He also questioned why criticisms seem to single out Davao City in flood control issues, asking, "Why only me? Why only Davao? And why not mention districts with P20B, P30B, or P50B flood funds?"