Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte cast doubt on Senate President Tito Sotto’s recent stance on China and raised concerns on whether it is about national interest or the senator’s personal considerations that are driving policy positions.
In a statement, Duterte directly questioned Sotto’s priorities, suggesting that financial or political influence could be shaping his views.
“Mas mahalaga ba sa iyo ang interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, o ang sarili mong financial security?” he stated.
He also pointed to what he described as underlying power dynamics within government, implying that formal titles may not reflect real influence.
“You may be the Senate president but your accounts committee chair is more powerful than you. Everyone in government knows how influence works titles are one thing, but control is another,” Duterte said.
Duterte went further by alluding to alleged irregularities involving individuals connected to positions of authority.
“Kumusta na imong amo nga wala kuno gadawat ug sweldo pero mao gadumala sa Accounts Comm nga 27 billion ang pondo?” he said.
The lawmaker’s remarks come amid debate over proposals related to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s expression to discuss joint oil exploration with China, an issue that has drawn mixed reactions from policymakers.
Duterte criticized what he described as a sudden shift in Sotto’s stance, noting the contrast with his earlier position.
“Noon, matapang ang tindig mo laban sa China. Ngayon, biglang gusto mong itulak ang joint exploration… Ano ba talaga, kuyang? “Umayos ka, kuyang. Fix your life. Mayaman ka na kailangan pa ba ng maleta?” he said.
He also recalled Sotto’s previous silence during confrontations involving the Philippine Coast Guard.
“Naalala mo pa si Tariella ng PCG? … Tahimik ka noon. Ngayon, bigla kang maingay? Out of the blue, nag-iba ang tono?” Duterte added.
Duterte also mentioned his relationship with Sotto and emphasized that his criticism stems from a sense of responsibility.
“I respect you as a fraternal brother, Tito Sotto. Pero bilang kapatid, tungkulin ko ring magsalita kung may hindi na tugma,” he said.
The lawmaker called for consistency in leadership, urging public officials to stand firmly by their principles regardless of changing circumstances.
