Senate President Refuses to Inhibit in Vice President Impeachment
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Chiz Escudero has firmly stated that inhibiting himself from the Vice President impeachment trial is not an option, despite strong public appeals. The keyphrase “Vice President impeachment trial” appears early as he addresses the issue.
In an interview on Monday, Escudero emphasized that the Senate would not yield to pressure from groups with clear biases in the impeachment case. “If their definition of fairness is blatantly supporting someone and their personal desires, then that’s not fairness,” he said in Filipino. “What they want to happen is clear and not because I disagree with them doesn’t mean that I’m not being fair.”
He added, “Being fair means applying the rule evenly to everyone regardless of the rules.”
Public Groups Demand Escudero’s Inhibition
Earlier that day, members of the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) gathered at the Senate to hand over an open letter demanding Escudero’s inhibition from the Vice President impeachment trial. They cited public trust and accountability as their reasons.
Despite this, Escudero dismissed the calls, stating, “I do not consider it a necessity nor do I consider it not being fair.”
The student leaders claim that delays in the impeachment process have fostered a toxic environment where political maneuvering overshadows the actual issues involving the Vice President.
Escudero Stands Firm Amid Criticism
Escudero countered that the student leaders clearly support the impeachment and are biased. “I will repeat. They want the Vice President to be impeached and they clearly do not want the Vice President. I said it before and I will say it again, whoever is in favor and against the accused, we will not listen to them. We will do what we think is right according to the law,” he declared.
Currently, between four to six senators advocate for starting the impeachment trial on August 4, instead of the original July 30 schedule. Senator Joel Villanueva noted that Escudero is among those pushing for this adjustment, explaining that the delay would allow proper organization following changes in the 20th Congress.
For more news and updates on Vice President impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.
