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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero's speech a 'profession of loyalty' to VP Duterte, says Romualdez

Escudero's speech a 'profession of loyalty' to VP Duterte, says Romualdez

Published Sep 29, 2025 05:43 pm

At A Glance

  • Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez said that Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero delivered not an expośe, but a "profession of loyalty" to Vice President Sara Duterte during the senator's privilege speech on Monday, Sept. 29.
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero (left), Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (Facebook, PPAB)
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero (left), Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez (Facebook, PPAB)


Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez said that Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero delivered not an expośe, but a "profession of loyalty" to Vice President Sara Duterte during the senator's privilege speech on Monday, Sept. 29.
"I listened to the privilege speech of Sen. Chiz Escudero. With respect, what we heard was not an exposé but a DDS script — the same recycled accusations we have long seen on troll pages and social media posts," Romualdez, a former House Speaker, said in a statement.
"DDS" in this context could be construed to mean "Duterte Diehard Supporter".
As far as the Leyte solon was concerned, Escudero was just trying to position himself as Vice President Sara Duterte's ally in time for the 2028 elections.
"It was a performance designed to profess loyalty and service to Vice President Sara Duterte, and to position himself as her ally for 2028. Ang tunay na pinagsisilbihan ay hindi ang katotohanan, kundi ang sariling interes at plano sa politika (He wasn't truly serving the truth, but his personal interests and political plans)," he said of Escudero.
On Monday afternoon, Escudero, a former Senate President, accused Romualdez of being behind the "sarswela script" of diverting public attention from House members involved in the flood control projects mess, supposedly at the expense of senators.
"Walang bago, at wala ring katotohanan (There's nothing new and there's nothing truthful about it)," Romualdez said of Escudero's speech.
"Instead of answering the serious questions he himself must face, Sen. Escudero chose to deflect. He did not deny the allegations against him. He did not explain his own role in flood-control kickbacks. Imbes na magpaliwanag, nanisi siya (Instead of giving clarity, he chose toccast blame)," the ex-Speaker said.
"Malinaw naman ang katotohanan: ang talumpati ni Sen. Escudero ay hindi tungkol sa pananagutan, kundi para isulong ang kanyang personal na ambisyon (The truth is clear: Sen. Escudero's speech is not about accountability, but to further his personal ambition)," he further said.
"For my part, I will continue to cooperate with every impartial investigation. My record can withstand scrutiny. Wala akong itinatago (I've nothing to hide)," said Romualdez.
"As for Sen. Escudero, kung tunay na pananagutan ang hanap, sa presinto na siya magpaliwanag (if he's truly after accountability then he's better off going to the precinct)," he said.
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