Duterte Faces Several Cases
Revised Article:
Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, Davao City Representative and reelectionist, found himself embroiled in a controversy on Saturday, May 3, 2025, as he still hasn't received the complaint lodged against him by a businessman, Kristone Patria, alleging physical injuries and grave threats.
In a video statement, Duterte's lawyers authenticated the dubious video circulating online that seemingly portrays Duterte as the perpetrator.
"My fellow Davaoenos, you've seen the other video; it's been quite a while now. You're the ones who'll decide who your congressman in the first district will be. I never falter," Duterte claimed.
Duterte's lawyers reportedly informed him of receiving a copy of the viral video for verification purposes.
According to Duterte, the complaint initially surfaced with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), but the affidavit from Patria was later posted on social media before it reached the fiscal's office.
As the controversy unfolded, Duterte was abroad in the Netherlands, where his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was on a visit, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation on crimes against humanity remained ongoing regarding his father's stint as president during the war on drugs.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated they possess no copy of the CCTV footage related to the incident. The disputed online footage hasn't been officially verified.
"Likewise, the PNP denies any involvement in the dissemination of the affidavit of the complainant, which has also appeared in various public forums. The document in question was not released by the police, and the PNP has no official role in its circulation," the PNP announced.
"The PNP respects the legal process and strongly emphasizes that the case has already been formally filed before the Department of Justice. Any queries or clarifications regarding the validity of the complaint should be addressed to the appropriate office dealing with the matter."
The PNP called for any official summons or resolution from the DOJ.
In the alleged incident that transpired on February 23 at a bar in Davao City, Patria alleged that Duterte assaulted him using a bottle and threatened him twice. Patria also claimed that Duterte had tampered with the CCTV camera during the incident.
Patria was compensated by Duterte after the incident, but due to fear, he initially refrained from lodging a formal complaint.
In a media interview, Bise President Sara Duterte expressed frustration about the constant political attacks against her family.
"Yes, I've said it before; this administration has done nothing but politicize issues and launch personal attacks on its political rivals," Sara stated.
"If you recall the significant issue regarding the budget… Many questioned its constitutionality.They asked about the legal usage of funds, and my impeachment proceedings soon followed. That's the gist of it."
[References]1. https://www.rappler.com/nation/680510-paolo-duterte-kristone-patria-case2. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/05/03/2178182/rep-paolo-dutertes-camp-denies-viral-video-veracity3. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/nation/2025/05/02/kristone-patria-files-complaint-vs-pulong-duterte.html4. https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/03/opinion/columns/edt-marco/cnmi-kristone-patria-case-connects-with-special-1277864/5. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/774077/patria-files-complaint-vs-rep-duterte/story/
- The controversy surrounding Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, the reelectionist Davao City Representative, continued as the complaint lodged against him by businessman Kristone Patria remained unaddressed.
- The Philippine National Police (PNP) denied any involvement in the dissemination of Patria's affidavit and CCTV footage regarding the alleged incident involving Duterte.
- The PNP emphasized that the case has been officially filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and called for any official summons or resolution from the DOJ.
- In a statement, Duterte's lawyers recognized the dubious video circulating online that seemingly implicates him, but added that the complaint's authenticity and the video's veracity are yet to be officially verified.
- The controversy surrounding Duterte comes amid his father's ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation over allegations of crimes against humanity during his presidency's war on drugs.
- The politics of crime and justice in the Philippines remain a hot topic in policy-and-legislation, general-news, and crime-and-justice discussions, as well as in Philippine political circles, both locally and internationally.
