Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon clarified that while Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte cannot be forced to attend hearings of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), he was given every opportunity to present his side.
“Kasi tama naman ho yung binabanggit niya na no one can actually compel members of Congress to attend before the ICI,” Ridon said in a press briefing.
However, he noted that by refusing the invitation, Duterte effectively waived his right to respond should the matter be referred to the Office of the Ombudsman.
“He has been given the opportunity to appear… and… he will have waived his right to respond to the ICI on the matter,” he added.
Ridon said Duterte was the only lawmaker, to his knowledge, who declined to air his side before the commission.
He also rejected Duterte’s claim that the ICI was created to protect President Bongbong Marcos, the First Family, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Ridon maintained that the commission’s mandate is clear: to investigate anomalous infrastructure projects across administrations.
“It would want to look into 2015 to 2025 flood control and infrastructure projects… irrespective of which ever administration it is,” he said, adding that any findings involving ghost projects, substandard works, or kickbacks fall squarely within the ICI’s authority.
Ridon stressed he has seen no indication that the ICI is being used for political propaganda, contrary to Duterte’s assertions.