Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Thursday, 11 December, stressed that his scheduled out-of-town trips are not a so-called world tour but all work and family obligations after receiving brickbats online.

“It has come to my attention regarding claims online that I am going on a world tour. This is their handiwork that shows their lack of credibility and making up stories,” addressing his critics in vernacular through his official statement.

He also stated that, first and foremost, all of his trips are officially sanctioned by the House of Representatives.

“For everyone’s guidance, it is normal to declare all stopovers or transit countries for the travel authority. This is what I did when I last visited my father, PRRD, in the Netherlands. This is not extravagance nor a gimmick but compliance,” he said.

“But critics always prefer drama over facts,” he added.

He then concluded that there is no such thing as a world tour but simply work and family obligations.

“I will not be distracted by political talk. Truth be told, don’t be fooled by small talk because they cannot even defend their failed flood control projects and corruption within the DSWD.”