Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Tuesday criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., questioning what he described as the administration’s political legacy.
Duterte’s remarks came after Marcos reportedly expressed concern that some of his current allies—who may later become political rivals, including Vice President Sara Duterte—could overturn his policies if they assume power in 2028.
“I find it ironic that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is worried about anyone undoing his legacy,” Duterte said in a statement. “The only legacy I can think of is corruption—one that has even surpassed that of your infamous father.”
The lawmaker also took aim at what he described as the President’s influence within Congress, delivering part of his criticism in Cebuano.
“Murag ma-proud na pud siguro ka kay ang imong anak gusto man pud musunod nimo—gahaman naman kaayo sa Kongreso bisan walay nahibal-an gawas sa pag tigum ug maleta… pati mga seasoned nga mga congressman hadlok pa niya,” Duterte said.
Duterte argued that ordinary Filipinos are less concerned about political legacies and more focused on daily economic challenges.
“Filipinos are not concerned about preserving political legacies—they are concerned about their daily struggles, the rising cost of living, and a government that should be working for them, not for itself,” he said.
He further emphasized that leadership should be measured through concrete results rather than rhetoric.
“Legacy is not claimed or protected by words. It is defined by actions and ultimately judged by the people,” Duterte added. “Your legacy is corruption, weakness, and the inability to address even the simplest problems faced by Filipinos.”
