Davao City based groups condemned Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s trip to 16 countries for two months from December 15 to February 20, 2026. In Duterte’s letter to Congress, he stated that he will not be personally attending sessions in Congress because he has plans go to Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Singapore. Duterte has taken a “world tour” for the second time this year.
The Stand Opposition to Plunder or STOP Corruption Alliance issued a statement wherein its convenor Leo XL Fuentes said that Duterte’s pleasure trip was a “disservice” to the people of Davao.
While everyone has the right to travel, legislators should prioritize their work over foreign trips, Fuentes said.
Panalipdan! Mindanao co-chairperson Jean Lindo said Duterte’s travels are expensive, even if they are paid from his own pocket. As a government official, he must still be held accountable for these.
Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party representative Antonio Tinio earlier mocked Duterte’s world tour.
“What is he? A district representative or Miss Universe?” he said. “The job of a congressman is to represent his district. Citizens should expect a higher standard of service from their elected representatives.”
He also said Duterte’s sudden departure from the country was suspicious, since he faces an investigation by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure regarding flood control projects in his district.
The Makabayan Bloc’s study found anomalies in at least 80 flood control projects worth ₱4.4 billion in Davao City.
