DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte criticized Malacañang's newly announced priority list of political “reform” measures, alleging that the administration is using the proposals to divert public attention from pressing controversies.

In a statement on Thursday, Dec. 11, Duterte said the timing of the Palace’s reform agenda appears calculated to shift discourse away from issues that pose greater political pressure on the administration.

“Every time discussions heat up on matters that place the administration in a difficult position, they always seem to have something ready to divert attention,” Duterte said, referring to the list that includes the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the creation of an Independent People’s Commission, party-list reforms, and a transparency measure.

The Davao City lawmaker questioned the sincerity of Malacanang in endorsing the Anti-Dynasty Bill, describing the move as “for show.”

Duterte noted that previous administrations had made similar promises, but no substantial progress had been achieved.

“It is obvious that they are merely trying to perfume their image. Their intention to end political dynasties is not genuine,” he said.

While acknowledging that proposals such as a people’s commission, reforms to the party-list system, and transparency legislation sound appealing, Duterte argued that the administration prioritized these measures to generate positive headlines and deflect scrutiny from corruption-related issues.

“Do not treat us as fools. The Filipino people deserve genuine reforms, not political stunts,” Duterte said.

He added that if Malacañang were serious about good governance, it would first address urgent national concerns requiring immediate solution, rather than “throwing out new narratives to mislead the public.”

Duterte emphasized that the country "needs action, not distraction.”