'We believe in second chance': Senators tease, welcome Chiz's 'wonderful aura' during Senate plenary session
Senators on Wednesday, February 1 made a “warm” welcome for Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who recently flew to Japan to join his wife, celebrity vlogger-influencer Heart Evangelista, and his two kids for a vacation.
Sen. Grace Poe, who ran with Escudero during the 2016 presidential campaign, made her manifestation during the Senate’s afternoon plenary session.
“Mr. President, together with each and every member of this body, I would like to warmly welcome our colleaguea and my seatmate, Sen. Chiz,”
“First time in a long time (that) we’ve seen that smile on his face with a wonderful aura. And I think that if there’s anything that we learned from this, is that love is worth fighting for,” Poe said during her privilege speech.
To which Senate President Juan Migue “Migz” Zubiri replied with a resounding “yes” amid the cheers of other lawmakers.
Zubiri said it is the reason why he momentarily called for a “one-minute” suspension of the Senate proceedings.
“Because I wanted to go down and also give a big hug to my dear friend and classmate in Congress,” Zubiri said.
“We believe in second chances,” the Senate leader further quipped.
“And Mr. President, we ‘heart’ Chiz,” Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said in jest.
“Yes, we heart Chiz,” Zubiri cheekily agreed.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, also stood up to manifest her support to the statement made by Poe.
“I just want to signify my support to the statement of Sen. Poe. And we see the different aura of our good friend from Bicol, former governor (Sorsogon) Chiz Escudero,” said Legarda.
“We are all happy for him. Let’s put it on record that this whole Senate floor is happy for our dear colleague from Sorsogon,” Zubiri further pointed out.
“Is it possible to interpellate Mr. President Sen. Poe on her comments or perhaps, we should not,” Legarda said drawing laughter from other senators.
To which Zubiri happily said: “Maybe some other time.”
Escudero and Evangelista reconciled in December 2022 after it was reported that their marriage was on the rocks.
The senator was visibly evasive in the Senate following reports they were facing marital problems, while Evangelista spent most of her time in Paris.
Rumors of them splitting up ended when the actress posted a photo of their reunion on the night of December 30, 2022 together with Escudero’s two children Joaquin and Ma. Cecilia.