IN a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte criticized Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s remarks about rallies and criticism being “close to inciting sedition.”
Duterte questioned whether Remulla had actually read the Bill of Rights, sarcastically offering to laminate Article III, Section 4, and display it in Remulla’s office. He emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, expression, and assembly, stating that “not everyone who dislikes you = sedition.” He suggested that officials may be hypersensitive to criticism.
The statement also addressed the AFP Chief of Staff, questioning whether Congress and the public could audit the AFP’s budget, citing concerns about the state of equipment in some camps and allegations of “ghost projects.” Duterte asked if transparency was now equated with sedition.
Duterte concluded by suggesting that attempts to silence and intimidate Filipinos would only increase their anger and urged officials to understand the sentiments of the people. He advised Remulla to relax, stating that “not every criticism is a threat to national security. Sometimes, the truth is just blinding.”
