Senator and Impeachment Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he would decline the vice presidency if offered the position in the event Vice President Sara Duterte is removed through impeachment, citing a potential conflict of interest.

In his latest podcast, Escudero clarified that no one had offered him the position, despite speculation that he could succeed Duterte if her post becomes vacant.

“Hindi ko tatanggapin sa simpleng rason: conflict of interest eh,” Escudero said, explaining that it would not be appropriate for him to assume the position after participating in the impeachment proceedings.

He stressed that his position was a personal decision and should not be taken as an attempt to influence his fellow senators.

“To be fair, wala akong tatanggihan dahil hindi naman ako inaalok,” Escudero said, adding that he hoped the situation would not arise.

Under the Constitution, if the vice presidency becomes vacant, the president nominates a replacement from among members of Congress, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Escudero cited the appointment of former Sen. Teofisto Guingona Jr. as vice president during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as an example of the process.

Asked whether he was biased in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte, Escudero said he had yet to make a decision on the case.

He maintained that the proceedings had been fair, noting that the prosecution bears the burden of proving its allegations.

“Mas mabigat talaga ang kamay ng sinumang hukom at hukuman sa prosekyusyon dahil sila yung may obligasyon eh,” Escudero said.“Pag nabaliktad na yung papel, depensa na magre-presento naman ng ebidensya, yung parehong standard na in-apply ko sa prosekyusyon, mag-a-apply na rin ngayon sa depensa,” he added.

Escudero said the same standards he applied to the prosecution would also apply to the defense as the proceedings progress.