DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte called for a full Commission on Audit investigation into the distribution of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program during the midterm elections here.

In a statement on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Duterte cited concerns over transparency and alleged misuse of the DSWD’s AICS program during the elections.

Duterte claimed that some political opponents used the AICS program to gain an advantage over the Dutertes, with the most significant allocations going to individuals and groups supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and candidates who campaigned for the Nograleses and other administration-backed contenders.

He cited P763.57 million in AICS allocations for the city’s second district and P693.50 million for the first district, both reportedly targeted by administration-aligned campaigns.

“The data now publicly released – and the testimony presented in the Senate – say otherwise,” Duterte said, countering claims that his office or allies controlled the funds.

Duterte also cited reports that AICS assistance was distributed during campaign assemblies, beneficiary lists were managed by political operators tied to administration-backed candidates, and the funds were used to mobilize supporters and poll watchers.

“Public funds should never be used as a political weapon against the very people who own that money,” the Davao City lawmaker said.

Despite the allegations, Duterte noted that the people of Davao City overwhelmingly rejected administration-backed candidates, instead voting for the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod slate.

“No amount of AICS money can overturn genuine public trust,” Duterte said.

He acknowledged that AICS funds still reached many residents, even if opponents reportedly handled the distributions.

Duterte urged DSWD leadership to cooperate fully with the audit and called on Congress to ensure proper accounting of every peso.