Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Thursday called on the House of Representatives to respect the decision of the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, to remand the Articles of Impeachment filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a media ambush interview after the Independence Day celebration at Barasoain Church, Escudero addressed House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s statement expressing deep concern over the Senate's move to return the already approved and transmitted impeachment complaints.
“‘Yun ang pasya ng impeachment court. Bilang mga taga-usig, dapat nilang galangin at sundin iyon. Pareho din sa parte ni VP Sara, dapat galangin at sundin din niya ang summons na inisyu ng impeachment court,” he added.
Escudero clarified that there is no “deadlock” between the two chambers, contrary to some interpretations following the Senate’s decision.
“Hindi deadlock ang tawag dun dahil uulitin ko, impeachment court ang Senado. Hindi ito magkaparehong ahensyang magkapantay tulad ng Kamara at Senado. Impeachment court ang Senado at taga-usig sila,” Escudero explained.
Earlier, the House refused to receive the returned articles of impeachment, pending clarification on the Senate’s order to remand.
This development has sparked criticism from some lawmakers, accusing the Senate of delaying or “dribbling” the case.
Escudero, however, firmly denied any deliberate delay on the impeachment case.
“Hanggang doon lang ang magagawa namin sa 19th Congress. Ginawa pa namin ng maaga nang isang araw. Sa inanunsyo namin noong una na June 11 dapat, nagawa namin lahat kailangang gawin ng impeachment court,” he emphasized.
He also addressed the House’s criticisms of the Senate’s handling of the process.
Escudero remarked that, unlike the House which frequently criticizes the Senate, he does not make it a habit to criticize their actions. He emphasized that each chamber has its own responsibilities, and he intends to respect that—just as the Senate expects the same respect from the House.
During his speech for the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebration, Escudero urged unity among all Filipinos, regardless of age or status, to uplift a country he said has long been neglected.
He challenged the conventional view that youth are merely the "pag-asa ng bayan," suggesting they should already be playing a crucial role today.
“Hindi na akma ngayon ang sinabi noon ng ating pambansang bayani na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Para sa akin, ang kabataan ay hindi na dapat na pag-asa lamang ng bayan, kundi ang kabataan ay dapat maasahan na ng bayan,” Escudero said.
“Kailanman, hindi ko itinuturing na kapansanan ang pagiging bata. Kailanman, hindi ko itinuturing na dehado ang taong ipinanganak ng huli sa mas nakatatanda sa atin ngayon na ipinanganak na una sa mundo,” the Senate President emphasized.
