Polong Duterte blasts ‘budget blackmail,’ vows to defend public funds
DAVAO CITY — Paolo Duterte delivered a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as “outright coercion” tied to the national budget, warning that public funds are allegedly being used to pressure lawmakers over an impeachment push. Duterte claimed that operatives linked to a figure he identified as “Charise” had been reaching out to congressional offices, allegedly threatening to withhold district allocations under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) if lawmakers refuse to align with the impeachment effort.
He emphasized that these funds are not political tools but lifelines for communities—earmarked for water systems, roads, bridges, and critical social services, particularly in struggling provinces. “The national budget is not a weapon. It is not meant to intimidate, punish, or control elected representatives,” Duterte said. Calling the alleged move “political blackmail,” Duterte warned that turning public funds into leverage undermines both democracy and the welfare of ordinary Filipinos.
He stressed that such actions betray the very purpose of governance, which is to serve—not to coerce. He further challenged national leadership to allow due process to prevail, urging that impeachment efforts be decided on evidence—not pressure. “If leadership is confident in its case, let the evidence speak—not threats, not pressure, and certainly not the hostage-taking of public funds,” he added.
Duterte struck a defiant tone, declaring that he and his allies would not be intimidated. “Hindi kami uurong. Hindi kami matatakot. Dili mi magpa-ilad.” He framed the issue as a fight beyond politics, positioning it as a stand for the Filipino people whose taxes fund the very budget now allegedly being used as leverage. “We will stand our ground—not for politics—but for the Filipino people who entrusted us with their voice,” Duterte said. As of writing, no official response has been issued by the individuals or offices implicated in Duterte’s claims.
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