Samal Island resort denies ownership link to Rep. Paolo Duterte
Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Z. Duterte attends the opening session of the 20th Congress at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on July 28, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — The Casas Con Vistas Resort in Pangubatan, Island Garden City of Samal on Wednesday denied reports linking its ownership to Davao City First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.
The resort said in a statement that it is owned by private individuals who do not hold public office and have no direct or indirect affiliation with Duterte or any other public official.
“We categorically deny the allegations suggesting any connection between the Resort’s ownership and Congressman Paolo Duterte or any person holding public office,” the resort said.
The management also urged the public to verify information through credible sources before publishing, sharing, or amplifying unverified allegations that could damage the reputation of the resort and its owners.
It warned that it would pursue appropriate legal remedies against anyone who knowingly publishes or disseminates false and defamatory statements concerning the resort or its owners, or otherwise violates applicable laws.
On Monday, NBI Director Melvin Matibag released videos containing conversations in which individuals allegedly claimed that Duterte owned the resort on Samal Island.
The congressman had earlier challenged the allegations against him, calling for concrete evidence of wrongdoing and criticizing what he described as trial by publicity.
The NBI has yet to respond to the resort’s statement.