President Rodrigo Duterte’s son, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, was unperturbed over the reported mass resignation of his congressional staff at the House of Representatives due to “numerous complaints of mismanagement.”
Paolo said he was surprised that the news on the supposed action of his chief of staff, lawyer Sherwin Castañeda, and six of his people came out without his knowledge.
“For the details on why they resigned, I think it would be best if Attorney Castañeda should answer that question because for me it’s done, and we parted ways in good terms,” Paolo said in a statement.
He said he had intended “to be discreet so as to protect Castañeda and his staff,” but ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap spilled the beans.
“I was surprised that a website came out with the story and did not even bother to ask my side of the story,” Paolo said.
He said his statement was in response to Yap’s admission that Yap was the one who asked for the resignation of Castañeda and his team of six people.
“Representative Yap said he asked for Castañeda’s resignation as he was also the one who recommended him to serve as my chief of staff. Yap said he received numerous complaints of mismanagement against Castañeda,” Paolo said.
“Since Representative Yap has already issued a statement, the reason behind it is better answered by Castañeda, who Yap had parted ways with amicably.”
The resignation letters of Castañeda and his staff of six were submitted to Yap’s office on Aug. 10, Paolo said.
He says he plans to bring some of his trusted staff in his Davao District-Office to the House of Representatives in Quezon City to help run his office.
“I’m almost done filling up the vacant positions with the help of Congressman Yap’s staff,” Paolo said.
“I hope for a smooth transition and a more effective office for the constituents of the First District of Davao City.”