Chiz Escudero Stands Firm: ‘I Will Not Agree’ — Senator Defends Stance on VP Impeachm

In a firm and unflinching speech, Escudero declared, “I will not agree to any process that undermines the Constitution or the integrity of this instit as h

Escudero, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, clarified that while he respects the constitutional right of the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings, the Senate—as the impeachment court—must remain impartial and grounded in

“It is not our job to entertain political gamesmanship or be swayed by external pre he said.“Our duty is to uphold the law and provide a fair trial, should the impeachment reach the Senate.”

Context: The VP Impeachment Complaint

Calls for Vice President Duterte’s impeachment have surfaced in recent weeks, following accusations of misuse of confidential funds and alleged overreach in her functions as Secretary of Education. Critics claim the allocation and spending of millions in confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) under her office lack transparency and justification.

While the complaint has yet to be formally transmitted to the Senate, the political tension has intensified as both allies and critics of the Duterte administration weigh in.

Escudero, known for his legal acumen and calm demeanor, warned against using impeachment as a political weapon.

“Impeachment is not a popularity contest. It is a serious constitutional mechanism meant for extreme cases of betrayal of public trust, corruption, or other high crimes,” he asserted.

Calls for Due Process

Escudero emphasized that no official—regardless of their position or public profile—should be judged outside of due process.

He also pointed out that prematurely making judgments or aligning with political blocs before the evidence is presented would damage the credibility of the Senate.

“Let us not forget, we are not prosecutors or defense lawyers—we are judges. If and when this case reaches us, we must judge based on facts, not public pressure,” he told his colleagues.

His speech received mixed reactions. Some senators lauded his commitment to constitutional order, while others quietly questioned whether neutrality is possible in such a politically charged environment.

A Warning Against Precedent

In closing, Escudero issued a sobering reminder: “Today it is one official. Tomorrow it may be another—perhaps someone you support. Let us set the right precedent now.”

As political storms continue to brew in the halls of power, Escudero’s message was clear: the rule of law must remain above politics, and the Senate must not allow itself to be dragged into partisan battles that could erode its integrity.