MANILA - Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte downplayed the mention of his name by a witness during a House inquiry into the P6.4 billion shabu shipment from China.

In a statement released Tuesday, the presidential son emphasized that Customs broker Mark Taguba himself admitted that the testimony against him was based on hearsay.

"Taguba admitted that his testimony against me was based entirely on rumors. Why would we entertain or believe a hearsay? One does not dignify lies with a response," he said.

• READ: Witness: I gave bribes to 11 BOC officials per week

Asked by lawmakers to name personalities involved in bribery activities in the Bureau of Customs, Taguba mentioned a "Tita Nani" whom he met through a "Davao Group."

This group, Taguba proceeded, is allegedly backed by a "Vice Mayor." However, he said this could just be a case of those involved in bribery namedropping officials to seal a deal.