Duterte’s Lawyer Appears Before NBI, Files Denial and Challenges Bureau’s Authority

DAVAO CITY – The legal counsel of Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on October 12, 2026, to dispute the agency’s authority to investigate allegations made by Gracioso Jr. At the same time, the defense submitted a sworn affidavit denying the accusations.

Atty. Peter Paul L. Danao said he made a special appearance on Duterte’s behalf and raised a jurisdictional challenge, questioning whether existing laws give the NBI the power to conduct the investigation.

Without waiving that objection, the defense also filed an Affidavit Ad Cautelam, a precautionary sworn statement that places Duterte’s denial on record while keeping his counsel’s legal objections intact. Danao said the affidavit rejects what he called the “fairy tale concoctions” of Gracioso Jr.

The statement clarified that filing an affidavit ad cautelam does not, by itself, mean the defense has dropped its jurisdictional objection or accepted the NBI’s authority to proceed. The legal effect of the filing remains subject to applicable law and the circumstances of the case.

Danao also urged NBI investigators to independently assess both the jurisdictional challenge and the allegations, guided by law and evidence. He expressed trust that the bureau’s personnel would live up to its ideals of nobility, bravery and integrity. He called on them to stay true to their mandate, resist any pressure or influence, and ensure a just and impartial investigation.

The defense maintains its objection to the NBI’s legal authority and Duterte’s denial of the allegations. Both the jurisdictional and factual issues are left to be resolved under applicable law and procedure.

Source: SunStar Davao, Oct. 12, 2026 (press release from Duterte’s camp)