ESCUDERO TO COLLEAGUES IN SENATE: REFRAIN FROM COMMENTING ON IMPEACHMENT RAP VS VP SARA

SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday urged his colleagues in the Senate to avoid commenting on the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Escudero said this is to maintain the integrity of any future proceedings.

“I reiterate my call to my colleagues in the Senate to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the complaint’s articles of impeachment,”said  Escudero.

He noted that the endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives marks the beginning of a process to ensure accountability among the government’s highest officials.

“Should the Senate be called upon to act as an impeachment court, any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution,” he explained.

According to Escudero, while  impeachment is often described as a political exercise, it is crucial that members of the Senate approach it with impartiality and objectivity.

“We must remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to the Rule of Law. This is what justice requires. This is what our people demand, the Senate head emphasized.  

Escudero said that experience has shown that impeachment proceedings are inherently divisive and have the potential to polarize the government and the public.

“However, we must not allow this to detract from the pressing legislative work that lies ahead. We have a duty to enact laws that respond to the needs of our people, address urgent national concerns, and strengthen our republic,” he said.  

He told his colleagues to focus on the work and not let politics negate the strides they have made in  improving the economy and governance.

“We may have different political affiliations and views but, as public servants, we must preserve our unity of purpose as this is essential to sustain the gains we have achieved and to ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” said the Senate top leader. 

Escudero further said that while accountability mechanisms like impeachment serve an important role in a democracy, the outcome—whether in favor of or against the official involved—should not impede the Senate’s broader mission to serve the people.

“May mga pangangailangan ang ating mga kababayan. Kung may impeachment man o wala, hindi ito puwedeng pabayaan,” he added.