Davao Representative Demands Transparency in Viral Drug Photo Controversy
Davao City First District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte has issued a strong call for transparency and accountability following the circulation of a photograph that allegedly depicts a public official using illegal drugs. The image, which spread across social media platforms on February 2, 2026, has generated significant public concern and raised serious questions about integrity in government.
Urgent Call for Forensic Examination
In an official statement released on Monday, Representative Duterte acknowledged the understandable anxiety the photograph has caused among Filipino citizens. He emphasized that the matter requires proper investigation rather than immediate dismissal. "May kumakalat na naman ngayon na larawan na umano'y nagpapakita kay bangag na gumagamit ng ipinagbabawal na droga. Understandably, maraming Pilipino ang nababahala. This raises serious questions that cannot simply be brushed aside," Duterte declared.
The congressman proposed a clear path forward: "Kung peke ang litrato, mas maayo nga i-subject kini sa independent, transparent forensic examination aron mahunong ang spekulasyon." He stressed that if the image proves to be fabricated, an independent forensic analysis would be essential to halt speculation and establish the truth.
Higher Standards for Public Officials
Duterte further elaborated that if the photograph is authentic, the Filipino people deserve complete transparency. He reminded the public that those holding public office, particularly the President, are held to elevated standards of accountability. "Kung tinuod, ang katawhan adunay katungod makadungog sa kamatuoran. Walay angay husgahan base sa hulagway lang. Pero kinahanglan sab hinumduman nga mas taas ang standard sa public office, labi na sa Presidente," he asserted.
The representative issued a stern warning about the consequences of avoiding the issue: "Ang katahimikan, paglikay, o pagyatak-yatak sa isyu wala'y matabang—makadugang ra sa kawalay pagsalig sa publiko." He argued that silence or evasion would only further damage public confidence in government institutions.
Historical Context and Broader Concerns
Duterte connected the current controversy to unresolved historical allegations, specifically mentioning:
- Repeated accusations of drug addiction involving certain figures even before 2022
- The firm refusal by some individuals to undergo hair follicle testing
- Trillions of pesos allegedly lost in flood control project corruption
"After all, you are called a leader because you are expected to lead, and that can only be done if the people have their full trust in you," Duterte stated, emphasizing the fundamental relationship between leadership and public confidence.
He specifically referenced corruption allegations linked to flood control projects, noting: "Idugang pa nato ang trillion pesos nga nawala sa flood control nga gikan sa buwis sa mga Pilipino. Kung sila nakalimot na sa trillion nga nawala sa flood control corruption nga gina konekta kay Tambaloslos kay Charice ug sa ilang mga kaalyado, kaming mga katawhan padayon nga naghulat sa kasolbaran niini."
Democratic Accountability and Public Scrutiny
The congressman concluded by reinforcing the principle of equal application of the law, arguing that accountability should be even stricter for those in positions of power. He framed public questioning as an essential component of democratic governance rather than an attack on leadership.
"Ang katawhan nagtan-aw. Ug sa usa ka demokrasya, ang pangutana dili pag-atake kundi obligasyon sa liderato nga motubag. Natuk-an na mo? Diskarte pa more," Duterte challenged, reminding officials that in a democracy, responding to public concerns is a fundamental leadership responsibility.
The eldest child of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte positioned this controversy within broader concerns about governance transparency, historical allegations, and the essential trust between citizens and their elected representatives.
