MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero took a sharp swipe at Senator Imee Marcos on Friday, urging her to stop using the Senate as a vehicle for her personal political ambitions.
Escudero’s remarks came amid a heated exchange over the case of Ambassador Markus Lacanilao, who was cited in contempt by a Senate panel for allegedly lying during a probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. Marcos criticized Escudero for releasing Lacanilao despite what she described as “blatant and repeated lies” told under oath.
Escudero defended his move, stressing that the Senate President’s approval is not automatic and that proper legal procedure must be followed. He also cited humanitarian reasons for Lacanilao’s temporary release, noting the envoy’s grandfather was being laid to rest.
He accused Marcos of rushing to the media with her signed detention order before he had even seen it, calling her actions politically charged. Escudero emphasized that his decisions are guided by legal principles—not political pressure.
“I will not let the Senate or the Office of the Senate President be used for self-promotion or propaganda,” Escudero said, hinting at Marcos’ potential reelection bid in next year’s midterm polls.
In response, Marcos slammed Escudero’s decision as “an insult” to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which she chairs. She argued that letting Lacanilao go without consequences undermines the Senate’s authority and accountability mechanisms.
Lacanilao’s contempt citation was pushed by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and approved by Marcos. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla had asked for a reconsideration, which was denied.
Escudero has promised to issue a show cause order to Lacanilao within the day, requiring him to explain within five days why he shouldn’t be cited in contempt.