In a fiery statement released by the Office of Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte, the lawmaker lashed out at Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos, accusing him of ignoring public concerns and defending questionable political maneuvers within Congress.

Duterte’s remarks came in response to Marcos’ recent comments regarding infrastructure projects in Davao City and the controversial replacement of House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The Davao solon defended the ₱49.8 billion worth of projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region XI, asserting that all were “properly accounted for” and visible to constituents.

“Walang ghost projects dito!” Duterte declared. “Di ako naghahanap, pero ang taumbayan hinahanapan kayo ng resibo.”

He also addressed criticisms about his frequent absences from congressional sessions, saying his absence was a form of protest against what he described as the “stench of graft and corruption” permeating the halls of Congress.

Duterte further accused Marcos of deflecting attention from larger issues, including alleged budget irregularities involving former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Congressman Zaldy Co. He challenged the younger Marcos to help account for what he called “trillions expertly plundered and cartelized,” urging that these funds be returned to the national treasury.

In a pointed jab, Duterte suggested that if Marcos truly had nothing to hide, he and his father—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—should undergo a public hair follicle drug test, referencing rumors and controversies surrounding other political figures.

The exchange between Duterte and Marcos adds fuel to the ongoing leadership shake-up in the House of Representatives, where allegations of corruption and political favoritism have sparked intense debate and public scrutiny.