By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday downplayed reports that he is being lined up to preside over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that no decision has yet been made by the Senate impeachment court.
Speaking on his “Chiz Wiz” podcast, Escudero described ongoing discussions about his possible role in the historic proceedings as mere speculation.
“No such decision has been made yet. That will be decided by the impeachment court once proceedings begin on July 6,” Escudero said.
“Whatever is being said now is purely speculation,” he added.
His remarks came days after Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed that members of the Senate majority bloc had informally identified Escudero as their preferred choice to preside over the trial. Lacson, however, also noted that the consensus reached during a June 17 meeting could still change once formal proceedings begin.
Under recently amended Senate impeachment rules, senators may now elect a presiding officer other than the Senate President in impeachment cases involving officials other than the President of the Philippines.
Escudero suggested that his name may have surfaced because only five of the Senate’s 24 members are lawyers.
“We are only five lawyers out of 24 senators, so perhaps that is why some believe that one of the five would be suitable to preside,” he said.
Aside from Escudero, the Senate’s lawyer-legislators include Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, and Rodante Marcoleta.
Despite the speculation, Escudero emphasized that the identity of the presiding officer is less important than ensuring that the impeachment proceedings are conducted fairly and impartially.
“Justice must not only be impartial, it must also appear to be impartial,” he said, citing a long-standing legal principle.
The senator also clarified that serving as a senator-judge does not shield lawmakers from criminal or administrative investigations.
He cited the case of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is currently detained and facing suspension following legal proceedings related to the flood control scandal.
According to Escudero, a senator’s ability to participate in an impeachment court is tied to his or her status as a sitting senator.
“A senator-judge sits as a senator-judge by virtue of being a senator. If the senator is temporarily suspended, then during the period of suspension, he or she cannot serve as a senator-judge,” he explained.
He added that participation may resume once a suspension is lifted, subject to court approval and applicable rules.
The impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte is scheduled to open on July 6, with the Senate expected to determine procedural matters, including the selection of a presiding officer, at the start of the proceedings.
ia/xf
