Omar Duterte defends family from ‘ghost’ flood control allegations

Metro Manila, Philippines - Davao 2nd district Rep. Omar Duterte rejected allegations that his family benefited from anomalous flood control projects in Davao City, insisting that all government funds were spent on legitimate infrastructure.

“Hindi sikat ang multo sa amin, walang ghost project sa amin,” Duterte said during an interview with pro-Duterte blogger “Alvin and Tourism” in The Hague, Netherlands . “Lahat talaga ng kung ano mang sinasabi na budget na bigay kay papa [Rep. Paolo Duterte], napunta talaga sa use na magamit ng tao up until now legacy ng pamilya, noong time ni PRRD build, build, build talaga.”

[Translation: We don’t allow ghost projects. We don’t have ghost projects. All of the funds given to my father [Rep. Paolo Duterte] were really used by the people. Up until now, that remains part of the family’s legacy. During PRRD’s time, it was really used to build, build, build.]

The remarks came as the House of Representatives investigates ₱51 billion worth of flood control and infrastructure projects allocated to Davao City’s 1st District between 2020 and 2022, during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. The Department of Public Works and Highways confirmed the amount earlier this week during a House hearing.

Omar, son of Rep. Paolo Duterte and grandson of the former president, accused critics of using their family as scapegoat. “At kayo mismo ang pinaka may alam sino ang responsible lamang. Sila ang panindigan,” he said.

[Translation: And you yourselves know who is really responsible. They should be held accountable.]

He also urged Filipinos to challenge so-called “untouchables” in government.

“Kung sa tingin ninyo na may mga opisyal ng gobyerno, lalo na yung mga tinatawag na sacred cow, mga untouchable—walang untouchable. Kayo ang boss namin,” he said.

[Translation: If you think that some government officials, especially those so-called sacred cows or untouchables, there are no untouchables. You are our boss.]

Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte earlier dared the House panel to prove the allegations, claiming the issue is used against their clan who continue to rule the top posts in the city government.