MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Monday, October 26, brushed off Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s appeal for senators to turn down any potential vice-presidential appointments, labeling the remarks as both “premature” and “uncalled for.”
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson criticized the proposal during a budget hearing sidebar, emphasizing that it infringes upon the constitutional authority of the chief executive.
”Bakit ba niya paikikialaman yung prerogative ng Pangulong pumili? Bakit siya nililimitahan??” Lacson pointed out to reporters, adding, “I think it’s uncalled for na pangunahan niya ang Pangulo. Bahala yung Pangulo na pumili.”
When asked regarding his own stance on the hypothetical vacancy should Vice President Sara Duterte face conviction in an impeachment trial, Lacson firmly declined interest:
”Hindi ako interesado…Mas gusto ko dito sa Senate. I will refuse (if offered).”
Echoing similar sentiments, Senate Senior Majority Leader JV Ejercito noted that while the suggestion carries practical points, discussing succession while the judicial process is underway lacks proper timing.
”It’s too early. Sa akin, ayoko, dapat hindi muna natin pinag-uusapan kung sinong magiging vice president or i-appoint as vice president,” Ejercito stated.
He further stressed:
”Ongoing pa impeachment trial e. Sabi ko, hindi pa natin nasisigurado kung ano magiging verdict. Para namang nakakasiguro na tayo. It’s premature to talk about it.”
The debate follows Cayetano’s initial online remarks praising Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero—who serves as the impeachment court’s presiding officer—for declining potential vice-presidential offers due to conflicts of interest. Cayetano argued that maintaining strict political neutrality among senator-judges is vital during high-stakes impeachment proceedings.
Meanwhile, Escudero has clarified that no such position has been offered to him.