Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday said her brother Paolo Duterte is “not closing his doors” to public service even after tendering his resignation as Davao City vice mayor.
“I look forward to the day he can serve our country again. I don’t think na he is closing his doors in running again,” Duterte-Carpio said in a press briefing.
The Davao City Mayor said that no one anticipated the decision of his brother to leave his post as Paolo had been talking about withdrawing from public office after his name was dragged in alleged corruption at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
On Christmas Day, Paolo submitted his resignation letter as the Davao City’s second highest elected official, saying he was stepping down to protect his honor and that of his children.
“My parents never failed to remind me of the value of time-honored principle of delicadeza, and this is one of those instances of my life that I need to protect my honor and that of my children,” the vice mayor said.
Among the incidents that lead to his decision to resign was the maligning of his reputation in the name-dropping incident in the BOC smuggling case, and his recent “very public squabble” with his daughter from his first marriage.
In his resignation letter, Paolo cited the “recent unfortunate events” in his life and his “failed first marriage” to Lovelie Sumera.
“The other person on this failed relationship is incorrigible and cannot be controlled. And I take responsibility for all that has happened as a result of a wrong decision to marry at a very young age,” he added.
Paolo thanked the council as he ended his speech with, “I am grateful to all the Dabawenyos for your support to my office and I look forward to the day that I will be able to serve our country again.”
According to the Davao City Mayor, Paolo’s request to resign from his position has already been sent to Malacañang.
“The resignation was signed yesterday by Paolo, sent through [courier] today to the Office of the President,” Duterte-Carpio told reporters.
She also said that the local government will consider Paolo on leave until Malacañang confirms it has received and accepted his resignation.
“He was very firm in his decision. I will support him all the way,” Duterte-Carpio said.