Escudero slams solons for dictating how VP impeach trial should go
Senate President Francis Escudero slammed lawmakers from the House of Representatives, pointing out that they seemed to be getting used to “dictating” to the Senate in terms of how they want the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed.—Photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero slammed lawmakers from the House of Representatives, pointing out that they seemed to be getting used to “dictating” to the Senate in terms of how they want the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed.
In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Escudero was asked to comment on allegations that he is either afraid or protecting Duterte because he postponed the reading of the articles of impeachment against the Vice President.
According to the Senate President, he had already proven to himself that he’s not working out of fear, considering his long stint in the government.
“Hindi ako gumagalaw at nagpapasya base sa anumang takot. Ika nga sa bibliya do it always afraid at sinabi na rin naman ni Vice President Sara na hindi siya sang-ayon sa mga pananaw na ‘yon,” said Escudero.
(I do not act and decide based on fear. The Bible says, Do it always afraid, and the Vice President herself said she does not agree with that perspective.)
“Ang mga kongresista tila nasasanay na diktahan ang Senado kaugnay sa gusto nilang mangyari sa impeachment. Pwes kung trabaho ng ilang mambabatas na maging sunud-sunuran kay Speaker Romualdez na gusto klaro ang impeachment na ito, hindi naming trabaho ‘yan sa Senado. Hindi ko rin trabaho ‘yan bilang taga-pangulo ng Senado,” he added.
(It seems like congressmen are getting used to dictating to the Senate in terms of what they want to happen with this impeachment. If it’s the job of some congressmen to follow Speaker (Martin) Romualdez, who wants this impeachment, then it’s not our job here in the Senate. It’s also not my job as a Senate President.)
Escudero said the Senate, as a whole, is acting on its duty by adhering to the right processes in line with the law. He then turned the tables on the lawmakers, questioning them for letting the impeachment complaint sit for two months before acting upon it.
“May narinig ba sila sa amin? Nakalagay din sa rules nila ang immediately, ibibigay ng Sec Gen ‘yong impeachment complaint sa speaker hindi nila ginawa ‘yon sa loob ng mahigit dalawang buwan. May narinig ba silang reklamo sa amin? Ginalang namin ang kanilang pasya, proseso at pagdedesisyon ‘yan din sana ang inaasahan ko rin sa kanila. Subalit maging ganoon pa man hindi ko sila pwedeng gawin, piliting gawin o hindi gawin ang particular na bagay. Gayundin sila. Kung nais nilang maging sunud-sunuran sa gusto ng kanilang Speaker, pwes hindi po naming trabaho ‘yan,” he said.
(Did they hear anything from us? It’s also written in their rules to act on it immediately. It needs to be submitted to the Secretary General they did not do it for more than two months. Did they hear any complaints from us? We respected their decision, process, and it’s the same for us. Despite that, I cannot force them to do or not to do a particular thing. If they want to go after what their Speaker says, they can do it, but it’s not our job.)
The lower chamber, in a historic move on Feb. 5, impeached Duterte, garnering over 200 signatures from lawmakers.
On the same day, the articles of impeachment were transmitted to the Senate, but the upper chamber adjourned its session without tackling the document.
READ: VP Sara Duterte impeachment complaint reaches Senate
Escudero earlier postponed the presentation by House prosecutors of the articles of impeachment against Duterte from June 2 to June 11.
He said the schedule change was made “to allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 11.
