Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has denied allegations that he received a suitcase filled with money in exchange for attending the Senate session on June 3, a move that helped establish a quorum in the chamber.
Speaking in the latest episode of the Chiz Wiz Podcast on Sunday, June 7, Escudero directly rejected the claims, saying the accusations against him were unfounded.
The allegation circulated after Escudero attended the June 3 session, allowing the Senate to achieve the quorum needed to proceed with its business on that day.
According to Escudero, his decision to attend the session was motivated by the welfare of the institution and not by any personal interest. He also denied that his attendance was connected to issues involving flood control projects.
The senator further stressed that Malacañang had no involvement in his decision to appear at the session.
Escudero addressed the controversy amid continuing disputes over leadership within the Senate.
When asked which side he supports in the ongoing conflict, Escudero said his allegiance is to the Senate itself.
He explained that he does not consider himself aligned with either camp involved in the leadership dispute.
Escudero also stated that the institution currently has no Senate President, noting that Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is serving only as acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore.
The remarks came as tensions continue over the Senate’s leadership structure and the events that followed the June 3 session.
The senator maintained that his actions were intended to ensure that the Senate could perform its functions and rejected suggestions that he attended the session in exchange for money or because of pressure from any political group.
Escudero reiterated that his participation was based on what he believed was best for the institution and not on personal or political considerations.
