Paolo Duterte challenges Liza Maza, Makabayan bloc over alleged ‘selective outrage’

Paolo Duterte challenges Liza Maza, Makabayan bloc over alleged ‘selective outrage’

DAVAO CITY — Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte on Tuesday issued a strongly worded statement challenging Liza Maza and the Makabayan bloc, accusing them of applying what he called a “double standard” on issues of violence, justice, and accountability.

In his statement, Duterte said the Makabayan bloc has been “selective” in its condemnations, alleging that while its members are quick to level accusations against political opponents, they remain silent on cases involving “kidnapping, killings, and intimidation,” particularly when these incidents are linked to groups aligned with their ideology.

“Hindi puwedeng sabay na magsuot ng maskara ng ‘makabayan’ habang bulag at pipi sa karahasang bumibiktima sa mismong mga mamamayan na sinasabi ninyong ipinaglalaban,” Duterte said.

The lawmaker specifically raised the issue of the 2012 Paquibato bombing in Davao City, which he said left 48 civilians injured,  questioning the absence of a clear condemnation from Maza and the Makabayan bloc. 

He also cited the killings of barangay captains and kagawads in the city, again asking why, according to him, there has been no public denunciation from the group.

Duterte further alleged that convicted former lawmaker Franz Castro had received protection from Makabayan bloc instead of being held accountable, an accusation he said undermines claims of principled advocacy.

“If totoo ang prinsipyo ninyo, malinaw at walang palusot ninyong kondenahin ang terorismo—kahit kanino pa iyan nakaangkla,” Duterte said.

He concluded by asserting that politics rooted in what he described as “doble-karang pamantayan” amounts to deception, stressing that the public deserves truth, accountability, and consistent positions “walang pinipili, walang kinikilingan.”