Abante challenges Escudero's claim of 'demolition job' from House

House spokesperson Princess Abante challenged Senate President Francis Escudero's claim that a 'demolition job' against him originated from the House of Representatives.

Abante questioned why the blame was directed at the House whenever there is criticism of the Senate, particularly regarding the delay in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial and multi-billion peso insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget.

Escudero said he traced the smear campaign to the House after being asked about a CCTV footage showing him walking past Speaker Martin Romualdez's office during budget talks for 2025, while Abante suggested that Escudero should directly address the questions raised against him instead of deflecting them towards the House.

Abante also defended her lack of knowledge on the CCTV issue and stated that she was not part of the House at that time.

Escudero clarified his visit to the lower chamber was to ensure bicam staff work proceeded without issues, while he accused 'insinuation' of wrongdoing as being 'wrought with malice.'