DAVAO City First District Representative Paolo Duterte declined the Independent Commision for Infrastructure’s (ICI) invitation for his personal appearance to their ongoing inquiry regarding the alleged anomalous flood control projects in his district.

In a statement, Duterte’s office said that ICI has no power over members of the Congress, calling the invitation a form of political harassment.

To formally decline the request, the lawmaker sent a “strongly worded letter” to ICI Chair Andres B. Reyes, Jr. citing that a commission created by the Executive branch cannot summon a person from the Legislative branch because of the separation of powers doctrine under the constitution.

Duterte also said that the ICI’s “vague and ambiguous” invitation lacks both 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,” Duterte said.

Duterte even went further and told ICI that instead of targetting him and his sister Vice President Sara Duterte, they should investigate President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and his family, including his cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on the basis of the revelations of former congressman Zaldy Co, particularly their alleged involvement ni the flood control and infrastructure projects in Ilocos and Eastern Visayas Regions from 2022 to 2025. These claims, according to Duterte, should not be ignored.

He also accused the president of weaponizing the ICI to redirect attention away from the controversies he is facing. According to Duterte, the ICI is just the president’s political tool for political propaganda and tarnish the Duterte family name ahead of the 2028 elections.

“To use me and my sister VP Sara to divert the truth… is highly unacceptable and deplorable,” Duterte said.