To explain the reason he attended the Wednesday Senate plenary session, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero described the recent impasse as “untenable and unacceptable,” and called out the harsh divide between the Minority and Majority senators, which has severely impaired their ability to perform their duties.

“When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves,” Escudero said.

He emphasized that his move was not in support of either bloc. Rather, this was solely about his duty as a senator to the nation.

“This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate. My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group or alliance. This is not about loyalty, betrayal, or choosing one group over the other—this is about duty,” the senator said.

Moreover, he said that the situation in the Senate cannot remain the way that it has been these past days.

“Hindi puwedeng manatili tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang naaapektuhan na ay ang mismong kakayahan ng Senado na gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin sa bayan,” he said.

Earlier, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore. He presided over the Wednesday plenary session, right before the legislative body’s sine die adjournment.