Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday said it would be up to the Senate majority to decide if he would remain in his post in the 20th Congress.
At the Kapihan sa Senado, Escudero was asked to comment on presumptive senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s statement that he would be willing to accept the Senate presidency if chosen by his colleagues.
“I think the same statement applies to almost all senators. Even for me, before I even thought about it or dreamed of it — I didn’t even dream of becoming Senate President,” Escudero told reporters in Filipino.
“Whoever has the numbers should accept the responsibility and the challenge, especially if they have the trust of the majority of the senators,” he added.
Escudero took over the Senate presidency from Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who stepped down following mounting efforts to unseat him. He had held the post for more than two years since 2022.
Aside from Sotto, Senator Imee Marcos, who succeeded in her reelection bid, is also rumored to be interested in replacing Escudero.
To unseat Escudero, his challenger would need to secure at least 13 votes from their fellow senators.
Incumbent senators of the 19th Congress are set to resume the session on 2 June, ahead of the sine die adjournment on 13 June.
Escudero also downplayed speculation about a potential bid for higher office in the 2028 national elections.
“I haven’t decided anything regarding 2028. As I’ve said before, it’s either I run for reelection or I retire. I still don’t know,” he said.
“I’m not thinking about it or considering it at this point. There are already too many people interested in that. I’m not even sure about this [Senate], and you’re asking about something higher?” he said.
Escudero ran for vice president in the 2016 national elections, with Senator Grace Poe as his presidential running mate.
Both, however, lost their respective bids to former President Rodrigo Duterte and former Vice President Leni Robredo.
Escudero, a lawyer by profession, was also asked if he would consider a different path — such as serving as a justice of the Supreme Court.
“Until 75? Is it 75 or 70? It seems like a Senate term is even longer. A Senate term is longer, and you’re not even allowed to talk,” he said in jest.
“Right? It doesn’t seem like it’s something for me. It’s still too early to talk about or decide on that. Let’s allow those who are genuinely interested in that position to start making their move,” he added.