Davao City Rep. Duterte abstains from Speaker vote, rejects minority bloc

REPRESENTATIVE Paolo Z. Duterte, of the 1st District of Davao City, issued a statement explaining his decision to abstain from voting for the Speaker of the House and to remain unaffiliated with any bloc during the opening of the 20th Congress.

In a strongly worded statement, Duterte denounced the proceedings as a “political circus” that has lost sight of its primary responsibility: serving the Filipino people.

He stated that he walked out after the roll call, along with his fellow Davao City legislators, asserting that his allegiance lies with his constituents, not with the political maneuvering and self-serving actions of some members of Congress.

He emphasized his refusal to participate in what he characterized as a “game of thrones” where leadership is treated as a prize rather than a responsibility.

Duterte’s statement sharply criticized the current state of affairs in the House of Representatives, describing it as a “hollow theater” where the powerful dictate the narrative, leaving the rest marginalized.

He expressed his belief that the public deserves better than the political charades currently unfolding, which he characterized as reeking of ambition, betrayal, and manufactured allegiances.

He declared that his decision to abstain from voting and to not join the minority bloc was a principled stand, a refusal to participate in what he considers a flawed system.

He asserted that he ran for Congress to represent the interests of his constituents with honor, conviction, and the courage to reject what he sees as wrong, even if it means standing alone.