REP. Omar Duterte (second from left). (FB)
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Davao City second district Rep. Omar Vincent Duterte called on Filipinos on Thursday, Sept. 11, to stand up for their rights and hold government officials accountable while defending the Duterte family against what he described as long standing political attacks.
In The Hague, where he and his siblings, acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II and Isabelle Duterte, hope to visit their grandfather, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Rep. Omar said public officials are answerable to the people who entrusted them with power.
“The Filipino people are clamoring for answers. If you think some officials act as if they are untouchable, there are no untouchables,” Rep. Omar said. “If you feel they no longer prioritize the Filipino people, fight for your rights. You all have the right to protest and to demand what is just.”
Rep. Omar said allegations against their family are not new, recalling that accusations were hurled as far back as the Arroyo administration and continued through the Aquino years. He added that they are still throwing issues at their name, even under the Marcos administration.
He responded to critics who continue to connect national controversies to the Duterte family, including the ongoing probe on flood control projects. As for his father, Rep. Paolo Duterte, Rep. Omar said people can visit Davao City and the concerned offices and see the projects themselves.
“There are no ghost projects. The funds allocated to the first district were used for the projects intended for the people, and that has been our family’s legacy since the former President Duterte’s time—build, build, build,” Rep. Omar said.
He said that there is a certain absurdity in connecting every issue to them and that he believes that trolls or false claims can no longer mislead the Filipino people. He said everyone is looking for accountability, for the real source of the country’s problems—and everyone knows who that is.
Rep. Omar acknowledged the support extended to his grandfather, saying many Filipinos continue to stand by former President Duterte as he faces proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
“The people are hurt that, until now, former President Duterte is here in The Hague. All they wish is for him to come home, especially at his age,” Rep. Omar said, adding that the Duterte family is deeply grateful for everyone’s prayers and support.
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