PBA Partylist Rep. Atty. Margarita "Migs" Nograles said it is now up to the voters to judge after a video surfaced allegedly showing First District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte involved in a bar altercation.
"At the end of the day, just like what others said, it's now up to the voters to decide based on what they've seen. I’m not going to say anything more," Nograles, who is running as Duterte’s opposition in the First District Congressional seat, stated.
She added that, as a lawyer, she is committed to upholding dignity, due process, and justice, even when dealing with someone she may not be on good terms with. “The ultimate judgment lies with the voters,” she said.
Nograles said she has been visiting communities in District 1 to promote a leadership style that is participatory and responsive.
“Di ta nagahadlok, di ta naga-harass, and kung kamo hadlok mo, balos nalang sa Mayo 12 (We do not threaten, we do not harass—and if you’re afraid, then speak out through your vote on May 12),” she said during a Team Nograles and Al-ag campaign rally on May 7 at AR Gym, Barangay Talomo Proper.
She urged residents to support her bid for Congress, promising to push for the establishment of a specialty medical center in Davao. While the city already has the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), she believes Davao deserves its own specialty hospital with national government support.
The controversy follows the circulation of a video allegedly showing Duterte assaulting a man in a bar on February 23. A case has since been filed with the Department of Justice.
On May 4, the Philippine National Police clarified it was not involved in the complaint and that the affidavit did not come from any of its personnel or units.
Duterte, however, said he has not yet received any official documents related to the complaint.
Vice President Sara Duterte, his sister, claimed the issue was a political attack aimed at their family. She linked the controversy to public backlash over the unmet campaign promise of P20-per-kilo rice, calling it a "so-called" complaint against her brother. RGP