Duterte siblings alert public against people using their names for gov’t posts, free food

DAVAO CITY –– Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte alerted the public against people who claim to represent him, ordering expensive food and drinks in restaurants here and used his name to avoid paying for these.

Duterte issued the statement after several restaurants he did not name had called his office informing him of the practice.

“It’s unfortunate that a number of restaurants have fallen victims to individuals pull(ing) off some pranks — using my name,” the vice mayor said.

He urged the public to be “constantly wary” and be cautious in dealing with individuals who claim to represent him, urging them to call the police if they sensed something suspicious.

On Sunday, Mayor Sara Duterte told the public not to heed rumors that she had been given a hand to the appointment of at least three posts in the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

The mayor said that because of these “rumors,” several people had approached her for endorsement.

“I categorically deny this and wish to reiterate that my authority is only within the area of Davao City as mandated by the Local Government Code,” she said.

She added that the same is true for all other national government positions, as she had no authority nor power over these. /lzb