Paolo Duterte breaks silence on viral video

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte addressed a circulating video that allegedly shows him harassing an individual on Saturday, 3 May. He said his camp is still determining the origin of the footage and has yet to receive formal notice of any legal complaint.

During a conversation with his family’s supporters outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention center, Duterte emphasized that the incident shown in the viral video happened some time ago and that no official case has been filed against him, at least not one he has been formally made aware of.

“Sa mga kapatid kong taga-Davao, ngayon nakakita na naman kayo ng video. Matagal na yang nangyari (To my brothers and sisters from Davao, you’ve seen another video now. That happened a long time ago),” Duterte said.

“Sige lang, sa inyo pa rin ang desisyon kung sino ang bobotohin nyo para maging congressman sa unang distrito. Hindi ako mangingialam (Alright, it’s still up to you to decide who you’ll vote for as congressman in the first district. I won’t interfere),” he added.

Defer comments

The Representative noted that his legal counsel had advised him to withhold any formal comment until more information becomes available, particularly about where the video originated.

“They’re still authenticating where the video came from,” he said. “The filing with the CIDG came first — I’m not sure — and the affidavit and testimony appeared on social media before it was even filed with the prosecutor. So, I can’t say anything for now because I haven’t received any document stating that a case has been filed against me.”

The Department of Justice confirmed on 2 May 2025 that a complaint had been filed against Duterte by a certain Kristone John Patria. The complainant alleges that Duterte committed grave threats and physical injuries during an altercation at a bar in Bo. Obrero, Davao City, on 23 February 2025.

Patria claimed that he initially held off on pursuing legal action due to Duterte’s political influence in the city.

Despite the controversy, Duterte maintained that he would respect the electorate’s choice in the upcoming May 2025 elections, where he seeks re-election.

Duterte also thanked his supporters for standing by him and his family amid the allegations.