Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero defended his decision to attend Wednesday’s plenary session, breaking ranks with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s call to boycott the chamber’s proceedings.
In an official statement, Escudero clarified that
“he is not taking sides,” but rather “taking a stand for the Senate.”
He emphasized that his unexpected appearance was driven by institutional responsibility rather than political maneuvering, alliance-shifting, or taking a side.
“My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group or alliance. This is not about loyalty, betrayal, or choosing one group over the other—this is about duty,” Escudero said.
Addressing the leadership row, Escudero pointed out that the ongoing friction is directly hindering the legislature’s productivity.
“Hindi ko sinasabi na may mali o tama o may nagkulang o nagmalabis kaninuman. Ngunit hindi pwedeng manatili tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang naaapektuhan na ay ang mismong kakayahan ng Senado na gampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin sa bayan,” Escudero said.
He further described the current gridlock gripping the legislative body as
“untenable and unacceptable.”
The lawmaker urged his peers to transcend political friction and remember their accountability to the electorate.
“When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves,” he added.
Escudero also requested public prayers for the chamber to resolve its internal strife and effectively resume its legislative duties for the Filipino people.
By walking into the plenary hall, Escudero successfully dissolved the ongoing Senate stalemate. He aligned with minority senators who were already present, providing the crucial number required to challenge the current leadership.
Following two consecutive days of halted operations, the Senate officially resumed with 12 lawmakers in attendance. A roll call was conducted, a quorum was formally declared, and all leadership seats were vacated to pave the way for a complete chamber overhaul.
As a result, Senator Win Gatchalian was appointed as the new Senate President Pro Tempore, taking over the seat previously held by Senator Loren Legarda, and immediately took over as the presiding officer.