His built resembles of an old German military that may evoke fear. His husky voice will surely intimidate a restless soul. Above all, his family name is associated with something that intimidates, both in Davao City and in the country, as the family members who are in politics are known for their strong brand of leadership.
If given the chance to describe this man, I will readily answer: Paolo, Pulong Zimmerman Duterte, is the most misread person I have ever met!
Everyone in Catalunan Grande was surprised when he ran for as Barangay Captain in 2007, defeating three opponents by a wide margin of over 2,000 votes. The village can be compared to any remote village in a municipality. Its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share was just over P4-million for a community of over 9,000 voters. Transport system was next to nothing, and peace and order was anything but.
At present, the once sleeping and logging village is already enjoying over P21-million IRA because of the massive housing development in the village after Paolo cleansed the area from gangs and scalawags. And the latest addition is the village’s hybrid bus system provided by the local government’s transport service.
People outside Catalunan Grande, especially those in the other side of the political fence, paint him black. But he is the same Paolo Duterte that his constituents voted for and trusted.
After his stint in the barangay, Paolo ran and won as Vice Mayor an unopposed candidate.
During his term as Vice Mayor, Paolo introduced development in other villages of the city through his “Pulong Pulong ni Pulong” or PPP, a program where he personally visited each village and act as the Barangay Captain to listen to the needs of the people.
The PPP was also the venue of the village leaders to consult the Vice Mayor’s Office on programs and projects they needed to be implement in their respective areas, with the approval of the City Council.
Paolo encouraged village officials to be more engaged with their constituents in terms of community development, which he believes is the key to peaceful and progressive community.
For over a decade, the political life of the young Duterte has transformed from the small village to the Halls of Congress.
The Congressman spent over an hour to grant our interview over many concerns.
NEWSLINE: What changed in you from being a village chief to being House Deputy Speaker?
Congressman Pulong Duterte: Nothing personal but it was political. There was adjustment at the start, which maybe is normal process but I’m fine now. I need to befriend many but not all. I need to align with them because I need support for my bills to get approved.
N: Any unforgettable experience in Congress?
PZD: When I was asked to preside during the second session…
N: How was it?
PZD: I was fine until we sang the Lupang Hinirang. It was then at that moment of being the presiding officer, but after a while the nervousness settled and I managed to lead the deliberations. It was such an experience — the first ever as Congressman.
N: Can you identify key areas which you personally want to focus in terms of public service?
PZD: The health services. It is always “zero billing” in both private and public hospitals, for all health concerns as far I’m concerned. Our clients are not just from Davao City but also from outside Mindanao, and I am happy serving our people because public services know no boundaries.
N: That must be a massive expenditure. How do you manage the resources? We learned that your office is spending thousands daily to respond to the medical needs of the people?
PZD: I allocated a reasonable amount for health services to accommodate patients with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and if I fall short, I always ask the help of my friends from Party-lists such as Marino, Act-CIS and Dumper. I cannot close my eyes to people seeking help. With Mayor Inday and Vice Mayor Baste, we developed a system, we placed a table at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) where people can go instead of going to our offices, which is time-consuming.
N: What else?
PZD: The completion of coastal roads, connecting them to major highways to ease traffic and hopefully, a number of flyovers in congested areas.
Newsline: What other services is close to your heart?
PZD: Hmmmm…Peace and order, women and children, and environment.
NewsLine: How do you translate that?
PZD: I make sure that barangay leaders know the problem of their village. I encourage them to move around and ensure there is order and no criminals breed in their barangays. I am giving my support to whatever way I can. I started as barangay captain and been there for years, so, I know the approaches.
N: For women and children?
PZD: Provide women group a peaceful atmosphere and interventions they need especially giving flesh to the law that protects them. It is not a one-shot-deal— supporting women and children needs a comprehensive program that integrates the services for this sector, which is crucial in the development of the community.
N: Environment?
PZD: There is a regular activity in my district: clearing of canals and waterways and massive tree-planting. We should re-green our environment and laws involving protection and preservation of our resources must be strengthened and implemented down to the lowest level.
N: How about the term-sharing in Congress, will it push through?
PZD: Hopefully, hopefully, that was the agreement, but Speaker Alan Cayetano is okay. But there are looming stories. What if he will be re-elected? That will not be my problem.
NewsLine: What is your take on peace talks?
PZD: I don’t support it this time. Seems to me, they are using the picture of the talks for propaganda purposes. They never reciprocated government’s sincere effort for peace, so this time, I am not supporting it. It is but a propaganda to them.
N: What about ABS-CBN franchise?
PZD: Hahaha. Good Luck to them. Hmmmm…basta good luck. Either renewed or not, good luck!
N: Personal view on ABS-CBN franchise?
PZD: Go to ____.
N: What was 2019 for you?
PZD: Let the people speak about my performance; I cannot rate myself.
N: Wish for 2020?
PZD: Peace. Hope the communist and insurgency problem is resolved for us to develop. There are many investors willing to pour in capital here but the peace problem with terrorists in the hinterlands scare them.
Newsline: How do you describe family time?
PZD: Spending dinner with them. Quality time.
N: How’s your relationship with the President, your father?
PZD: We are closer now, we talk a lot and everyone in the family is behind him.
N: Is Mayor Rody sick?
PZD: Illness of a 70-year old man, what do you expect? But serious illness–no, no. He is even healthier than me.
Paolo, who is the favorite grandson of his late grandmother Soledad “Nanay Soleng”, said if there is one thing he is practicing among her teachings, it is humility.
“Nanay always remind me to be humble, and treat people equally and be always humble. It is hard to emulate but as a person matures—there are changes along the way,” Paolo said.
Asked what he inherited from his father—President Rodrigo Duterte— the young Duterte said: “Not to take people’s money—stay away from corruption. President Rody is workaholic, I cannot be of his caliber, though I work very hard.”
