Chiz to senators: Stay out of Sara debate

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged his fellow lawmakers in the upper chamber to refrain from publicly commenting on the impeachment issue against Vice President Sara Duterte to “ensure accountability.”

“The filing and endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House of Representatives marks the beginning of a process enshrined in our Constitution to ensure accountability among our highest public officials,” Escudero said in a statement on Tuesday, following the lodging of an impeachment complaint against Duterte for “abuse of power and corruption.”

Escudero stressed the Senate is ready to fulfill its mandate with integrity and impartiality “while upholding the national interest” if the impeachment complaint prospers.

“In light of this development, I reiterate my call to my colleagues in the Senate to refrain from making any public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the complaint’s articles of impeachment,” he said.

Escudero noted that any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution.

While an impeachment is often described as a political exercise, Escudero said it is crucial that senators “approach it with the impartiality and objectivity demanded of us.”

“We must remain steadfast in upholding the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to the rule of law. This is what justice requires. This is what our people demand,” he added.

“Experience has shown that impeachment proceedings are inherently divisive and have the potential to polarize the government and the public,” he pointed out.

The Senate President must not allow this to detract from the pressing legislative work that lies ahead.

“We have a duty to enact laws that respond to the needs of our people, address urgent national concerns, and strengthen our republic,” he said.

Escudero emphasized that it is even more imperative for senators to rise above the “din of political noise” and focus on the work that matters most to the Filipino people.

He said lawmakers must not let politics negate the strides the Senate has made in improving the country’s economy and governance.

“We may have different political affiliations and views but, as public servants, we must preserve our unity of purpose as this is essential to sustain the gains we have achieved and to ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” he added.

Escudero recognized that accountability mechanisms such as impeachment complaints “serve an important role in a democracy.”

But he stressed that the “outcome — whether in favor of or against the official involved — should not impede” the Senate’s broader mission to serve the people.

Allowing the Senate’s legislative responsibilities to be overshadowed by the political dimensions of impeachment “would be a disservice to the nation,” he noted.

“Our fellow citizens have needs. Whether there is an impeachment or not, this cannot be neglected,” he said in Filipino.