The impeachment of VP Sara and the 2028 presidential elections

Rumors of Toby Tiangco prioritizing politicking to ensure Chiz Escudero would be retained as Senate President after the campaign now seemingly merit some thoughtful consideration given Chiz’s actions and recent attacks on the House of Representatives (HoR).

Taken alongside the idea put forth by President BongBong Marcos in his vlog that a reconciliation with the Dutertes is still possible, Toby Tiangco’s and Chiz Escudero’s narratives are consistent with the likelihood that they are part of the same grand narrative post-election.

Now that there is uncertainty in the numbers required for conviction, Filipinos are being conditioned to open their minds and support the administration in case it backs down from the impeachment trial. Do they really think that backing down from the trial will mitigate the Dutertes’ desire to exact their pound of flesh from this administration?

Chiz Escudero cruised to the Senate presidency without any memorable accomplishments or legacy — at least until this impeachment trial. His tenure as Senate President in the 19th Congress will be remembered for the role he will play in this historical first impeachment proceeding involving a sitting Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Escudero said the Senate is independent and does not kowtow to the HoR. Does he really believe the public does not connect his moves to a faction in the Palace, or that he has aligned his interest to be able to continue as Senate President in the 20th Congress, and thereafter seek higher office in 2028?

Returning senator-elect Tito Sotto revealed that when the HoR transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, it was neither acted upon by the Senate President nor endorsed to the committee on rules. Even the issue of what “forthwith” meant could have been resolved early on. Or at least whether or not the impeachment complaint could survive the adjournment of the 19th Congress and carry over to the incoming 20th Congress were matters that could have been decided before the midterm elections.

These legal issues were raised early on with no real or sincere attempt on the part of the Senate to at least appear to act with some urgency, even if only for the public’s benefit.

They might have held a caucus or called for a hearing to discuss and solicit expert opinions from friends of the Senate before or after it adjourned for the midterm elections.

Chiz cannot now blame those who question his (and this administration’s) priorities and objectives since they are now singing a different tune but “coincidentally” only after the disappointing election results came in. The administration obviously miscalculated and underestimated the Vice President’s ability to build the momentum she had going into the elections.

Without a conviction and the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office, how can they contain the Vice President and prevent her from running for president in 2028?

If that should happen, is there anyone in the offing who can be a viable administration-backed candidate capable of defeating VP Inday Sara in 2028?