Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has urged his fellow senators to avoid making public statements about potential impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Duterte. Escudero emphasized that an impeachment complaint might eventually reach the Senate, where senators would serve as judges.
In an interview, Escudero stated, “I am not allowed to comment on that, and I would also like to remind my fellow senators not to discuss any stories or rumors about impeachment.” He explained that preemptively discussing such matters could undermine the impartiality expected of senators if they are called upon to adjudicate an impeachment case.
Escudero added, “If that pushes through and reaches us, we will sit as judges, and it’s not good for a senator to be perceived as prejudiced or having already made up their mind before a case even reaches the Senate.”
While agreeing that impeachment efforts would consume valuable time for both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Escudero maintained that it’s important to uphold the process with neutrality.
The Vice President herself has dismissed the impeachment rumors, saying that she is not bothered by the speculation. Duterte suggested that the rumors are part of an effort by some House members to undermine her family’s reputation for political reasons.
Despite the ongoing speculation, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo previously denied any discussions among House members about filing an impeachment complaint against Duterte. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also expressed his belief that Duterte does not deserve to be impeached.