A coalition of civil society organizations and concerned citizens urged the Senate majority bloc on Friday to reconsider its plan to appoint Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the presiding officer of the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning it could compromise public trust.
In a joint statement, the alliance argued that placing Escudero in the leadership role would send the wrong message to the public, especially as the upper chamber attempts to restore its institutional credibility after recent leadership friction.
“At a time when the Senate must restore public confidence in its independence and credibility, elevating Escudero to this crucial role risks achieving the opposite,” the statement read.
The groups pointed out Escudero’s legislative history as a primary source of concern, specifically referencing his handling of previous impeachment dynamics.
“This plan inevitably recalls Escudero’s conduct during the previous impeachment proceedings, where his twisted interpretation of the constitutional directive to proceed ‘forthwith’ became the basis for the delay and deferment of the impeachment process,” the groups added.
The coalition’s public appeal comes after Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson disclosed that the Senate majority had formed a tentative agreement to vote Escudero into the position.
Lacson noted, however, that the official vote would not happen until the impeachment court formally convenes on July 6.
Furthermore, the coalition dismissed arguments that Escudero’s extensive legal background makes him the premier candidate for the responsibility.
“Legal knowledge alone does not guarantee fairness, impartiality, or fidelity to the spirit of the Constitution,” the groups said.
“The Senate owes the Filipino people a process that is fair, credible, and beyond suspicion,” they added.
The coalition suggested that Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian should instead lead the impeachment court, noting that because leadership disputes have already been settled, the Senate must now focus entirely on executing a transparent and just trial.
The joint declaration was signed by 16 individuals, including prominent human rights advocate and Catholic priest Fr. Flavie Villanueva, and backed by 22 organizations, including the political coalition 1Sambayan.