Senate President Chiz Escudero dismissed allegations that he is protecting Vice President Sara Duterte after the Senate moved the schedule for reading the Articles of Impeachment from June 2 to June 11. He explained that the rescheduling would not affect the overall process since it would still continue into the final stretch of the congressional term. Escudero warned that prioritizing the impeachment at the expense of regular legislative work could force the Senate to restart the process entirely under the next Congress.
He also rejected suggestions that he was intimidated by Duterte, emphasizing that his decisions as a public servant are not driven by fear. Escudero underscored the Senate’s independence, saying it does not follow the lead of the House of Representatives or Speaker Martin Romualdez, and that it makes decisions based on what is just and necessary.
Escudero urged the House of Representatives not to interfere with the Senate’s role in the impeachment process. He reiterated that the Senate should be allowed to decide and proceed independently, without outside influence, to uphold its mandate and preserve institutional integrity.
