MANILA - Manases Carpio, President Rodrigo Duterte's son-in-law, sought to clear his name Thursday, as he slammed "rumors and gossips" linking him and brother-in-law Paolo Duterte to the illegal drug trade.

"I am here before this committee to formally declare that I have no knowledge of or involvement in the illegal drugs shipment which is the subject matter of this inquiry and to assist the committee in whatever way I can as a resource person," said Carpio, who is married to Duterte's daughter and Davao Mayor Sara.

Carpio said his presence at the Senate probe was to honor the Blue Ribbon Committee's invitation.

"I am here to give due respect to the committee invitation and defer to the authority of the Senate to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. Me and my brother-in-law have been publicly crucified based on rumors and gossips," he said in his opening statement.

Carpio said he had not met Customs fixer Mark Taguba, who initially alleged that he and the Davao City Vice Mayor, Paolo, were behind the "Davao Group" that allegedly facilitated smuggling in the Bureau of Customs.

Carpio said his work as a lawyer required him to represent his clients in courts and government institutions such as the Bureau of Customs.

Earlier in the day, Malacanang said Carpio and Paolo's appearance at the hearing "demonstrates that both gentlemen are willing and ready to face malicious allegations intended to impugn their character and credibility," Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte had said there would be no problem if his son and son-in-law attended the Senate hearing.