Congressman Paolo “Pulong” Duterte publicly criticized Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto over his recent stance on joint exploration talks with China. The confrontation came in a statement posted online, directly questioning Sotto’s consistency on foreign policy and national interest. Duterte said, “Noon, matapang ang tindig mo laban sa China. Ngayon, biglang gusto mong itulak ang joint exploration—at sinisisi pa ang nakaraang administrasyon kung bakit hindi ito natuloy. Ano ba talaga, kuyang?”
Duterte recalled the 2018 case of PCG official Tariella, who was given approval to pursue legal action against China. He pointed out that Sotto remained silent at the time. Duterte asked whether the senator’s priorities lie with the Filipino public or with personal financial and political security. He added, “You may be the Senate president but your accounts commitee chair is more powerful than you. Everyone in government knows how influence works—titles are one thing, but control is another.”
The lawmaker also highlighted allegations of misuse of public funds. He referenced the accounts committee, which manages a ₱27 billion budget, and pointed to family members of officials involved in questionable transactions, including smuggling and procurement of construction materials. Duterte warned that external actors like China are aware of who maintains consistent positions and who shifts for convenience. “Hindi madaling maloko ang China; alam nila kung sino ang consistent at kung sino ang pabago-bago ng posisyon. At higit sa lahat, hindi rin dapat niloloko ang Pilipino,” he said.
He criticized Sotto’s sudden shift toward pro-China positions, framing it as opportunistic and inconsistent. “At ngayon, pro-China ka bigla? Sabay banat sa Duterte admin kung bakit hindi natuloy ang joint exploration? Kuyang… parang stand-up routine na ‘yan. At ang nakakatawa—ikaw mismo ang punchline.”
Duterte concluded by urging principled leadership and consistency, emphasizing that public trust and national interest should guide decisions, not personal gain or political maneuvering. The statement underscores rising tensions in Philippine foreign policy debates and accountability in government budgeting.
