Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday, December 3 reiterated his call on his colleagues to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero reminded senators that the filing and endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives marks the beginning of a process enshrined in the Constitution to ensure accountability among the country’s highest public officials.
As such, “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,” the Senate leader said.
“While impeachment is often described as a political exercise, it is crucial that members of the Senate approach it with the impartiality and objectivity demanded of us,” Escudero said.
“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,” he further said.
The lawmaker also said 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,” he said.
“We have a duty to enact laws that respond to the needs of our people, address urgent national concerns, and strengthen our republic,” the Senate chief added.
Escudero further said that as the country moves closer to the May 2025 elections, it is more important for lawmakers to focus on the legislative work ahead.
“As we move closer to the midterm elections in May 2025, it is even more imperative for us to rise above the din of political noise and focus on the work that matters most to our people!” he stressed.
“We must not let politics negate the strides we have made in improving our 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,” he added.
“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 our countrymen,” he further said.
He also warned that allowing their legislative responsibilities to be overshadowed by the political dimensions of impeachment would be a disservice to the nation.
“May mga pangangailangan ang ating mga kababayan. Kung may impeachment man o wala, hindi ito puwedeng pabayaan (Our citizens have needs. Whether or not there is an impeachment case, we cannot neglect them),” the senator said.