Gabriela called for a comprehensive, immediate, and impartial investigation regarding the incident involving Paolo Duterte, incumbent Davao first district Congress representative. These include reported cases implicating Duterte of prostitution and abuse.

Duterte was seen threatening and hurting pimp Kristone John Patria on a CCTV video, dated February 23, that circulated in Davao City. Patria filed charges of physical injury and grave threats against Duterte.

Patria stated that Duterte became angry when his bodyguard was not assigned a prostituted woman, and he reportedly became even angrier when one of the women being pimped asked him why she only received ₱1,000 and not the promised ₱13,000.

“Disturbingly, there remains no known investigation into the possible abuse and exploitation of women at the said event. We are deeply disturbed by reports of prostituted women being used for the private entertainment of an incumbent lawmaker. If proven true, this is a clear case of sexual exploitation that must not go unpunished—especially when it involves a public official and a re-electionist,” Gabriela secretary general Clarice Palce said.

“This allegation is yet another manifestation of deeply entrenched misogyny and abuse of power that continue to victimize women across the country. If these reports are validated, it is yet another case of ‘like father, like son’–misogyny clearly runs in the Duterte family,” Palce added.

Gabriela Women’s Partylist third nominee Dr. Jean Lindo said, “This is the grim reality for over 2,000 women forced into prostitution in Davao City.” She said that rising prices of goods, lack of jobs, and limited access to social services force them into prostitution. “Duterte chose to abuse his position and prey on women’s vulnerabilities. These women are abused twice: first by a system that abandons them, and then by men who exploit their desperation.”

“Gabriela Women’s Party Southern Mindanao demands full accountability from all perpetrators involved. Prostituted women deserve dignity and protection, not further abuse and exploitation. We urge the public to reject candidates who perpetuate violence against women and affirm the need to protect the welfare of prostituted women,” according to Gabriela Women’s Party Southern Mindanao.