Duterte links Drilon to Ayalas' water deal, Frank denies any role

President Rodrigo Duterte hit Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon before ending his 5th State of the Nation Address on Monday.

After accusing Drilon of protecting ABS-CBN at the start of his speech, the President again scorned the senator for allegedly being a hypocrite in suggesting the passage of the anti-dynasty law to end oligarchy in the Philippines.

"I would like to ask Drilon were you a part of ACCRA when this contract of Ayala Water is being drafted? And why are you [fuming]? Bakit kasi ikaw lang ang galit nasabi mo na dynasty, dynasty," Duterte said.

"You area hypocrite. You know that you can't pass the anti-dynasty law. Ikaw nandiyan sa Congress, eh di ikaw mauna dito," he added.

Two weeks ago, Drilon dared Duterte to pass the anti-dynasty law to effectively dismantle oligarchy in the Philippines.

"With the popularity rating of the President, he has the capacity to push that in Congress," the opposition Senate leader said.

Drilon said if Duterte is really resolute in ending oligarchy, he should end political dynasties and rise above the fact that his children—House Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and Vice Mayor Baste Duterte—are also holding positions in the government.

This challenge came after Duterte claimed to have finished "oligarchy"—a remark that was given in the wake of the House panel's denial of the ABS-CBN Corporation's franchise bid.

"To take it against me for protecting my country is something which I really dissent," Duterte said.

The President said he suspects that Drilon was part of the law firm which allegedly crafted an "onerous" water concession agreement.

"Do not protect the oligarchs here. You are the one, ikaw lang mag-isa... Ayala got ACCRA, ACCRA did it. Ikaw galing ka doon, most  of you more successful lawyers sa corporations," he said.

In January, Duterte threatened to reveal the names of individuals involved in the issue. In February, he reportedly hinted that a big law firm was behind it.

On the other hand, Drilon refuted the accusation.

"Wala po akong kinalaman diyan sa concession agreement na 'yan... I can say with a straight face, kahit po iharap nila ang buong bansa, at sasabihin na wala akong kinalaman diyan," he said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"Sa katunayan, hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa nakikita ang sinasabi nilang kontrata. Wala po akong kinalaman diyan. Wala po akong pakialam diyan. 'Yan po ang katotohanan," he added. "Wala na po ako sa ACCRA nung sinasabi nilang napirmahan ang kontratang 'yan." -NB, GMA News