MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday, August 12, claimed that lawmakers who support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte are behind what he called a “demolition job” against him, according to reports in Inquirer.net.
Escudero told reporters that “those in favor of the impeachment” are orchestrating efforts to discredit him, but he did not identify any individuals. As reported by Inquirer.net, he framed the matter as part of broader political maneuvering surrounding the impeachment process, which, if endorsed by the House of Representatives, would be tried in the Senate under his leadership.
Background to Escudero’s remarks
According to reports in Inquirer.net, Escudero’s allegation arose in the wake of heightened scrutiny over government flood-control projects and a campaign donation he received in 2022. He confirmed that Centerways Construction, a firm now under discussion for securing flood-control contracts, contributed ₱30 million to his campaign. He denied giving the company any favors or helping it obtain projects, noting that the contracts it received accounted for less than one percent of the total budget for flood-control works. “My question is, why emphasize on that? The one percent, instead of the 99 percent?” he said, adding that the release of related audit information was timed “maliciously” to damage him politically.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said that “15 contractors cornered a large share of flood-control works” and that the government is reviewing these projects, according to The Philippine Star. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is verifying the status of the projects, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said, adding that “the bidding process has no political component”. No public authority has alleged wrongdoing by Escudero in relation to the contracts or the donation.
Escudero also linked the supposed smear campaign to a broader political goal: unseating him as Senate President to pave the way for re-filing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte once the one-year bar on such cases lapses on February 6, 2026. He accused members of the House of Representatives who back impeachment of being behind the attacks.
Puno’s challenge
House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” Puno responded to Escudero’s remarks by urging him to identify the individuals he claims are behind the supposed demolition campaign. “He should name who they are,” Puno said, according to Inquirer.net, adding that vague allegations serve little purpose without evidence.
Status of the claim
As of this report, the claim that pro-impeachment lawmakers are engaged in a coordinated smear campaign remains unsubstantiated, with no publicly presented names or documentary proof. Reviews of the flood-control projects are ongoing, and no formal findings have been issued linking any legislator to misconduct in this matte
