Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte visited the Davao  City Council on Tuesday afternoon as acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II was presiding over a session. 

Speaking briefly to the media, Rep. Duterte said he wanted to see how his son handled his duties at the city council.

“The mandate from the people of Davao was overwhelmingly strong. He must show that he can handle this kind of responsibility,” Rep. Duterte said, adding that he was very proud to see how his son take the responsibility seriously.

Reo. Duterte advised his son to “put the people first.”

“Never forget the people. They are the reason we are here. Public service is about them, not us. So, he has to give proper attention to the people of Davao City,” the congressman said.

He urged his son to prove his capability and live up to the trust placed in him.

Rep. Duterte said the acting vice mayor should be visible whenever there are needs or essential events because that is part of his duty.

“Make sure he does not waste the vote and trust given to him by the Davaoeños—for himself, our family, and the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod,” Rep. Duterte said.

Rep. Duterte reminded city councilors to show their competence and readiness as they continue to serve the people  following their overwhelming support for Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod and Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Laban partylists.

Rep. Duterte said his eldest son, Davao City second district Rep. Omar Duterte, recently attended seminars for neophyte congressmen in Manila.

“I am not sure if he’s being treated well there—he might be better off as a councilor in Davao City; at least it’s more lively here,” Rep. Paolo said.

Rep. Paolo said that aside from crafting relevant laws that would benefit the general public, they are awaiting to see who will become the House speaker.

Rep. Paolo thanked the public for their continued prayers and support, especially for his father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is currently at The Hague in the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte challenged Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III to prove three-minute police response time in Davao City.

Mayor Duterte, during his podcast “Basta Dabawenyo,” expressed skepticism over Torre’s promise to replicate the quick-response strategy he claimed to have successfully implemented as Quezon City Police District chief. 

The Davao City Police Office has started enforcing the three-minute crime response rule only within the downtown area.

Under this policy, police must arrive at the scene within three minutes after Central 911 receives a call for assistance.

Torre believes the setup is more achievable in Davao City, where there is approximately one officer for every 700 residents.

“Torre himself said he has a three-minute response system,” Mayor Duterte said in English and Filipino dialect. “That means he is responsible for ensuring no crimes happen in Davao. He said it, so let’s see if Dabawenyos will feel it.”

While the acting mayor acknowledged the importance of the PNP’s crime prevention duties, he questioned the motives behind Torre’s leadership, accusing the police chief of political harassment.

“I expect he’ll just use his position to harass me and my family. We’re used to it. You even kidnapped my father,” the acting mayor said without providing further details. 

“Go ahead—do what you want. We still have two years before the 2028 elections. Besides, you are already facing legal issues. If you want to harass me, then do it. You act tough only because you have power, but are nothing without it,” Mayor Duterte said.