Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte cried foul over the looming probe by the House of Representatives into the artificial white sand beach in Manila Bay built under the administration of his detained father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The lawmaker specifically lambasted ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, who suggested holding the ex-leader accountable for possible corruption alongside government officials who undertook the dolomite beach project.

Rep. Duterte accused the Makabayan bloc, known for its anti-corruption stance and pro-people policies, of engaging in selective criticism and double standards, pointing to their alleged silence over the unfolding corruption scandal under the present administration.

“I have no problem in holding everyone accountable if they are at fault, as you said, including FPRRD, because it is his project. [But] why do you seem silent when it comes to holding accountable those who signed the most corrupt budgets of 2023-2025?” he said in Filipino in a Facebook post late Monday.

“Let’s not pretend to be champions of transparency if all you’re after is political gain. If you’re objective is truly’ accountability,’ start with yourselves and with those you have served who are tainted with corruption,” he continued.

The dolomite beach, which opened in 2020, faced intense backlash, with critics claiming it was merely cosmetic and had little to do with rehabilitation.

The artificial beach cost the government over P600 million, according to Tinio, but remains “completely useless,” raising suspicions of fund misuse or corruption.

Responding to the tirades of the Davao solon, Tinio asserted that they have consistently called for transparency and accountability from erring officials, regardless of which administration they belong to.

Tinio advised his colleague to do his research first before making such accusations, saying, “Google is free.”

Probe not partisan — Palace

Malacañang Palace has brushed off allegations that it is behind the House probe.

In a briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated the separation of powers within the government.

“Whatever the work and steps the House of Representatives will take in investigating Dolomite Beach, that is their job, and the President will not obstruct any steps regarding that,” she said.

“This could also be a step towards seeing if there really was an anomaly, if it contributed to the ongoing flooding in Metro Manila, and if it affected the environment of our country,” she added.

Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon said on Monday that the House Committee on Public Accounts will also examine the project to determine whether it aligns with the Manila Bay Sustainable Development Master Plan and complies with the Supreme Court’s writ of continuing mandamus on the bay’s rehabilitation.

When asked if this was politically motivated against the Dutertes and to cover up the flood control corruption, Castro denied such moves.