Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has refused to offer a “pre-game analysis” or speculation of the outcome of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, considering a number of her allies’ victories in the midterm elections.
He reasoned that conjectures may be interpreted as judgement in the absence of evidence.
“Hindi para sa’kin ang pangunahan ‘yan. Hindi para sa’kin mag-‘pre-game analysis,’ ika nga. Siguro gusto niyo mag-post-game analysis tayo pagkatapos. Pero anumang pre-game analysis, maaaring ma-interpreta na panghuhusga ng ni wala pang nape-presenta o nakikitang ebidensya ang mga uupo bilang hurado,” he told reporters during the Kapihan sa Senado held on Thursday, May 15.
(It’s not my place to get ahead of that issue—it’s not my place to make a “pre-game analysis,” as they say. Maybe you’ll want to have a post-game analysis after it’s finished. But any pre-game analysis may be interpreted as judgement despite there having been no evidence presented to those who will sit as jurors.)
When pressed for a statement regarding possible future dynamics in the Senate with the upcoming arrival of the Magic 12 candidates, Escudero responded that senators do not always make decisions aligned with their political affiliations.
“Labing-limang taon na ako sa Senado. Ang tingin ko, sa kada senador ay hindi may tatak sa noong ‘Oposisyon’ o ‘Administrasyon,’” he said.
“Walang dikta ang partido sa nakita kong performance o pagboto ng mga senador sa mga nagdaang panahon. Ang mga desisyon at pagpasya nila ay depende sa kanilang personal na pananaw at desisyon, at hindi dinidiktahan ng partido,” he added.
(I have been in the Senate for 15 years. I believe senators do not have a mark for “Opposition” and “Administration” on their foreheads.
Political party affiliations have not dictated their performance and what they vote for in the past. Their decisions depend on their personal perspectives and [discretion], and are not dictated by their parties.)
As an example, Escudero pointed out that he was elected Senate president not through decisions backed by formal alliances.
The Senate president concluded that he expects the impeachment trial to be “lively and vibrant,” with the addition of three lawyers who may substantially contribute to “enrich(ing)” discussions and “enlightening” fellow senators and the masses alike.
Senators-elect Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Rodante Marcoleta, among others, are known allies of the Duterte family, and have made the cut for the winning Magic 12 circle, according to the partial, unofficial results released by media outfits including DZRH.
