Abella clarifies: Duterte won't quit over 'mere' affidavit on son's role in BOC corruption

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Saturday clarified President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that he would resign if an "affidavit" on his son's involvement in alleged corruption activities at the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Abella clarified that Duterte is not asking for a mere affidavit, but a document or piece of paper with Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte's signature.

"An affidavit is not the documentary evidence that the President wants produced. That document is just a written statement of a person which is self-serving evidence in character, thus of less credibility," Abella told GMA News Online.

"For example, documents like one duly signed by the Vice Mayor or by his representative; a log book showing the name of Paolo as among those receiving payola or part of the tara from the BOC," he added.

"In other words, documentary evidence other than the mere say so of an individual."

Duterte said he will quit the presidency if there is proof of his son's involvement in corruption at the BOC.

"So lumabas ‘yung pangalan ni… ‘Yung si Paolo, ‘yung Vice Mayor ngayon... And if my son was really into it or in is in there, all you have to do is to produce the paper—because there are two ways of evidence—oral pati documentary," Duterte said.

"Sabi ko, 'Just give me an affidavit and I will step down as President of this Republic.' And that is my commitment to you now. That is my word," he added.

The younger Duterte was mentioned during a House probe on the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China.

Customs broker Mark Taguba earlier said the presidential son was "name-dropped" by BOC officials who received bribes.

The vice mayor had refused to comment on the issue, saying that Taguba's statement was based on hearsay. —ALG, GMA News