ABANTE
DAVAO CITY – Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte has criticized Manila Rep. Benny Abante for saying he would not support Vice President Sara Duterte for president in 2028.
Rep. Duterte said Abante, a pastor, no longer carries substantial political weight. He noted Abante lost in his own district in the 2025 elections. “Pastor, the record is clear: You lost in your own district.”
Duterte said that Abante’s current position was not secured through a direct electoral mandate but through the backing of House leadership.
He cited Abante’s political patron, adding that his influence stems from internal alliances rather than strong public support.
Duterte questioned Abante’s performance, citing failures to address corruption in flood control projects and deliver concrete results for his constituents.
He also raised concerns about his role in the House Committee on Accounts, noting possible issues related to influence and credibility.
House spokesperson Princess Abante fired back at Duterte for her father.
“Don’t interfere if you haven’t done anything. Focus on working first. Don’t just be absent and rely on your last name. If you weren’t Tatay Digs’ child, you might not even win even as a barangay councilor.”