Impeachment Presiding Officer and Senator-Judge Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he did not seek the role of presiding officer in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte but vowed to carry out the responsibility entrusted to him by the Senate.
“Hindi ko ginusto ito. Hindi ko hiningi ito. Hindi ko hinanap ito. Pero hindi ko rin tatalikuran ang ninaatas na responsibilidad sa akin na tulungan ang Senado at Impeachment Court na malampasan itong bahaging ito ng kasaysayan ng Senado at Impeachment Court kaugnay sa impeachment complaint laban sa ating ikalawang Pangulo,” Escudero said.
In a newly released episode of his “Chiz Whiz: Usapang May Laman” podcast, Escudero discussed questions surrounding his designation as the presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court while emphasizing that he would remain guided by the rules of the proceedings.
Escudero explained that he chose to address the public through the podcast to ensure compliance with Rule 18 of the Senate’s Impeachment Rules, which prohibits the presiding officer, senator-judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and the respondent from making statements regarding the merits of the case.
“Pinili namin na sa pamamagitan ng podcast ito gawin dahil sang-ayon sa Rule 18 ng aming Rules on Impeachment. Hindi maaaring magsalita ang Presiding Officer o sino mang senator-judge, kabilang na ang mga abogado ng prosecutor, ang mga abogado ng respondent, at ang respondent kaugnay sa merits ng kaso nito,” Escudero said.
He said the podcast allowed him to respond to public inquiries without violating the restrictions imposed by the impeachment rules.
Escudero also recounted how he became the presiding officer, saying the Senate voted for the position after amendments to the chamber’s rules during its previous session in June. He added that he abstained from voting during the selection process, resulting in 12 votes in his favor.
“Nag-abstain ako at hindi ako bumoto doon. Kaya ang boto ay labindalawa lamang para sa akin,” he said.
Escudero currently presides over the Senate impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, which involve allegations raised in the impeachment complaint filed against her. He has repeatedly emphasized the need to follow established rules and maintain fairness throughout the trial.
