DAVAO CITY – First District Representative Paolo Duterte, in a statement Tuesday, 7 April, questioned Senate President Tito Sotto’s untimely support for joint exploration with China, stating that it contradicts Sotto’s previous stance against the country.

“I respect you as a fraternal brother, Tito Sotto. Pero bilang kapatid, tungkulin ko ring magsalita kung may hindi na tugma. Noon, matapang ang tindig mo laban sa China. Ngayon, biglang gusto mong itulak ang joint exploration at sinisisi pa ang nakaraang administrasyon kung bakit hindi ito natuloy,” Duterte said.

He also questioned whether Sotto’s priorities are aligned with the Filipino people or personal and political interests.

“Mas mahalaga ba sa iyo ang interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, o ang sarili mong financial security? O baka naman ang loyalty mo ay nasa kung sino ang may hawak ng pondo at kapangyarihan?,” he added.

He then urged Sotto to maintain consistent principles, noting that both China and the public can discern changing positions.

“Kung paninindigan ang prinsipyo, panindigan hanggang dulo. Hindi ‘yung kahapon kontra, tapos ngayon kampi depende sa kung saan mas may pakinabang,” he said.