PULONG FACES CRIMINAL RAPS, SAYS EVIDENCE 'FABRICATED'

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is facing criminal complaints for allegedly mauling and threatening a businessman -- an accusation the lawmaker dismissed as fraudulent.

- By JEFFREY DAMICOG • IVY TEJ ANO

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon confirmed on Friday, May 2, the filing of the complaints against Congressman Duterte.

“It's already with DOJ (Department of Justice),” said Fadullon who noted that the complaints were received on Friday.

Fadullon said the DOJ will be conducting the preliminary investigation on the complaints that were filed by Davao City businessman Kristone John M. Patria, 37.

Patria accused the congressman of physical injuries and grave threats in violation of Articles 265 and 282, respectively, of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).

In his complaints, Patria said the incident happened at around 3 a.m. last Feb. 23 at the Hearsay Gastropub Bar in Davao City.