Photo: Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte on Wednesday said he is open for any investigation on him only if done by an “impartial and credible body” and not a simple “hearsay.” 

“I welcome any investigation to be conducted by an impartial and credible body, as I have nothing to hide. I remain committed to clearing our name and confident that the truth will expose the baseless nature of these accusations,” Duterte said. 

“However, I must stress that any call for investigation must be based on credible evidence, not on pure hearsay testimony from convicted felons like Jimmy Guban. These testimonies, obtained under the guise of a witness protection program in exchange for furloughs, lack credibility and only undermine the integrity of any legitimate inquiry,” he said. 

During the presentation of the panel’s report, seven personalities, including Duterte were implicated in the illegal drug trade. 

Duterte was embroiled in the illegal drug controversy when ex Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban and convicted Customs “fixer” Mark Taguba tagged him as the leader of the so-called “Davao group” said to be involved in smuggling and bribery activities at the Bureau of Customs (BoC). 

Despite his conviction, Taguba said he never changed tune on Duterte and stood firm on his statement that he has handed P5 million enlistment fee to Duterte to ease out the release of his shipments.  

Guban, who has been a key witness in a shabu smuggling controversy during the Duterte administration, confessed that Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte’s brother Atty. Manases Carpio and former economic adviser Michael Yang were involved in the P6.4 billion shabu shipment seven years ago. 

Guban also testified that Duterte was not only involved in drugs but also in smuggling of various items including agricultural products. 

“If Congress is truly serious about addressing the proliferation of illegal drugs, they must begin by investigating those listed in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) watchlist during the Duterte administration,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he has already filed various perjury cases against Guban as one of his first attempts at clearing his name. 

“This is just the first step in ensuring accountability for those who spread falsehoods and attempt to tarnish reputations with fabricated stories,” he said.

He called on the House panel to pursue “genuine and unbiased investigations” and not fall prey easily to biased accusations.