President Duterte's son resigns as Mayor of Davao

(Baonghean.vn)- On December 25, Mr. Paolo Duterte, son of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has recently been embroiled in controversy over allegations of involvement in a drug smuggling ring through the Philippine Bureau of Customs, resigned as Vice Mayor of Davao City. This decision will take effect immediately.

The announcement by Paolo Duterte stunned many members of the Davao City Council, who had just met after a fierce fire broke out at a shopping mall and killed more than 30 people over the weekend.

Mr. Paolo Duterte (right) is the eldest son of President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: AP

Mr Duterte cited allegations of his involvement in the multi-billion-dollar trafficking of synthetic drugs, and family problems as reasons for his resignation.

“I hereby resign as Vice Mayor of Davao City, effective today, December 25, 2017,” Duterte said in a statement to the city council. “The recent unfortunate events in my life are linked to the breakdown of my first marriage. Other reasons include the defamation of my reputation in the drug smuggling case involving the Philippine Bureau of Customs as well as the recent public spat with my daughter.”

Despite his resignation, Mr. Duterte's family will still maintain control over Davao City's politics because the city's mayor is still his sister, Ms. Duterte-Carpio./.

Lan Ha

(According to Philstar)