Paolo Duterte to other political parties: I’m still up for adoption

Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte on Wednesday signified his interest to be adopted by other political parties if it means better serving the people.

Paolo, son of President Rodrigo Duterte, made the remark after the National Unity Party (NUP) adopted him as its member.

In a statement, Paolo, who serves as one of the deputy speakers in the House of Representatives, said that though he is new to the national party arena, many of his colleagues have been asking him to join their respective political parties.

The presidential son said he was “honored” to be adopted by NUP — “one of the biggest political organizations in the country.”

“To all other political groups out there, I am still up for adoption!” Paolo said.

“If being adopted by most, if not all, political parties is to be of service to the people, then I am more than willing to join all of you,” he added.

Paolo sees his position as deputy speaker as one that unifies all House members towards improving the lives of the Filipinos.

“In unity there is strength. Let us show the Filipino people that we can all be united towards one common goal,” he said.

“This would be a first in Philippine politics, and it happened under the Duterte administration,” he added.

The NUP elected its new set of officers and inducted newcomers into the party during its annual meeting held at a hotel in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Paolo, however, was not present during the meeting.

NUP deputy secretary general Brian Yamsuan said that being an adopted member, Paolo needs to take his oath into the party.

Paolo, likewise, will remain a member of his local party, Yamsuan said. The former is the president of Davao-based local party, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod. —KG, GMA News