A Night of Shadows: Congressman Paolo Duterte Faces Assault Allegations Amidst Political Turmoil

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In the early hours of February 23, 2025, an incident at Hearsay Gastropub in Barangay Obrero, Davao City, has thrust Congressman Paolo "Pulong" Duterte into the center of a storm of allegations. Kristone John Patria y Moreno, a self-confessed pimp, filed a complaint accusing Duterte of physical assault and attempted stabbing following a dispute over payment to a woman allegedly hired for companionship.

The Alleged Incident

According to Moreno's affidavit submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the conflict began when a woman complained about receiving only ₱1,000 instead of the agreed-upon ₱13,000. Moreno claims that Duterte reacted violently, allegedly headbutting, punching, kicking, and attempting to stab him while issuing death threats. He further alleges that Duterte ordered his bodyguards to block the exits and disable the bar's CCTV system, though Moreno believes some footage was captured before the system was turned off.

Moreno stated that the assault lasted nearly two hours, during which Duterte allegedly mocked him by handing over ₱1,000 bills with each blow. Fearing for his life and that of his family, Moreno delayed seeking medical attention or filing a complaint. However, he has now expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing the importance of the CCTV footage as evidence.

Congressman Duterte's Response

As of this writing, Congressman Duterte has not publicly addressed the allegations. His official website and social media channels remain silent on the matter. Given his prominent position and familial ties—being the eldest son of former President Rodrigo Duterte and brother to current Vice President Sara Duterte—the public and media await his response with keen interest.

A Pattern of Controversies

This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding Congressman Duterte. In July 2024, former Senator Antonio Trillanes filed drug smuggling and corruption complaints against him and others, related to a ₱6.4-billion shabu shipment seized in Valenzuela City in 2017. Trillanes later submitted a supplemental affidavit to bolster these charges .

Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed these cases against her brother and husband, Manases Carpio, as "political harassment" and "political attacks," suggesting they are timed to coincide with her political activities .

Broader Implications

The allegations against Congressman Duterte come amid heightened scrutiny of the Duterte family's political influence. Former President Rodrigo Duterte faces disbarment complaints filed by human rights groups and families of extrajudicial killing victims, accusing him of conduct unbecoming of a lawyer .

These developments raise questions about accountability and the rule of law in the Philippines, especially concerning powerful political figures. As investigations proceed, the public watches closely to see how justice will be served in this high-profile case.

Note: This article is based on available information as of May 3, 2025. Further developments may have occurred since then.

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