Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has denied allegations that his decision to align with the Senate bloc led by acting Senate President Win Gatchalian was influenced by political favors, legal considerations, or financial incentives.
During a podcast interview, Escudero addressed rumors suggesting that his move was linked to an alleged arrangement involving flood control-related cases or a supposed cash payoff. He dismissed the accusations and laughed off claims that a suitcase filled with money had been offered to him.
“Asan? Asan?”
Escudero also clarified that the legal complaints filed against him existed long before the current leadership dispute in the Senate and have no connection to his political decisions.
“Lima ang nagsampa ng kaso laban sa akin. May limang kasong pending noon… tatlo sa limang ‘yon ay na-dismiss na, napatunayan namin na wala kaming kasalanan, hinarap namin isa-isa ‘yon.”
According to the senator, three of the five cases have already been dismissed, while two remain pending. He said he continues to address the remaining cases through the proper legal process.
“Nakabinbin ang dalawang kaso pa, hinaharap pa rin namin. At buo ang paniniwala namin na malalampasan namin ‘yan at mapapatunayan na wala kaming kasalanan.”
Escudero stressed that there is no connection between his legal cases and his decision to join the Gatchalian-led bloc.
“Pero hinaharap namin ‘yon at walang kinalaman ‘yan dito. Eh di sana tigil na kung may basehan. Ganoon pa rin, wala namang pagbabago.”
He added that his legal situation remains unchanged despite recent developments in the Senate.
“Kung ano ang sitwasyon ko bago kahapon, siya pa rin ang sitwasyon ko ngayon.”
Expressing confidence in the legal process, Escudero said he believes the investigating agencies and the courts will ultimately clear his name.
“Umaasa kami sa mga nag-iimbestigang ahensya o sa korte mismo… mapapatunayan namin na wala kaming ginawang mali o paglabag sa batas.”
The senator reiterated that his political realignment was made independently and was not influenced by any legal accommodation, political arrangement, or monetary offer, while his pending cases continue to proceed through the courts.