Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte claimed “selective justice” in ongoing government investigations, claiming that inquiries move swiftly only when his family’s name is involved but stall when individuals close to Malacanang are implicated.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 9, Duterte said probes become “urgent, loud, and relentless” whenever the Duterte name is dragged into an issue.

He alleged that investigations “collapse” once they begin to point toward “the President’s cousin, his own child, and their congressional minions.”

“That is not a coincidence. That is protection. That is selective justice,” Duterte said, adding that the public has grown increasingly frustrated, noting that “the grassroots feel disgust” over what he called the double standard in government accountability.

He cited the alleged flood control scandal as an example, where some individuals initially linked to the controversy were “noisy, arrogant, and confident,” but quickly disappeared from scrutiny when their reported connections to Malacañang surfaced.

“No subpoenas, no follow-ups, no consequences,” the lawmaker said. "Suddenly, nobody wants to talk. Suddenly, nobody remembers. Suddenly, nobody knows anything.”

Duterte questioned why some officials face immediate charges while others “connected to the Palace” appear to be given “a clean pass.” He also accused those in power of shielding allies while subjecting critics to repeated hearings.

“Call it what you want, but the public already has a word for it: ‘Hugas-kamay’ (dodging accountability) and protect your own. Sweep everything under the rug,” he said.

Duterte asserted that he and his family are prepared to respond to any allegations against them.

He insisted that investigations must be “based on principle” rather than used as tools to “protect allies who are co-conspirators of corruption” or to “weaponize the law” against political rivals.

“Selective justice is not justice. It is cowardice wearing a legal mask,” Duterte said, urging government leaders to apply the same standard of accountability to all, regardless of personal or political ties.

“Filipinos are not blind. Filipinos are not stupid. And Filipinos are tired of a government that demands accountability from everyone except its own allies,” Duterte said. “If you want truth, then stop running from it.”