Former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has defended Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s unexpected appearance that broke a two-day Senate stalemate, emphasizing that lawmakers are constitutionally obligated to keep the chamber functional regardless of political friction.
In a radio interview, Pimentel stated that Escudero’s decision to attend the session aligned with the Senate’s primary duty as a working legislative body.
“Ibig sabihin gusto niya (at) naisip din niya na ang purpose ng Senado (ay) magtrabaho,” Pimentel said.
The legislative body had hit a standstill after the bloc allied with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano skipped two straight plenary sessions. The boycott followed the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on plunder charges earlier that week.
The deadlock ended when Escudero arrived at the plenary, securing the required quorum for proceedings to resume. His presence allowed the attending senators to proceed with legislative work, reorganize the chamber’s leadership, and elect Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting presiding officer.
Pimentel criticized the absent majority bloc for boycotting the sessions, questioning why a dominant group would avoid their workplace.
“It’s really strange na ang majority… ay hindi magpapakita sa minority sa kanilang place of work. Kasi anong ibig sabihin noon? Natakot si majority kay minority? Takot siya sa bilang ni minority,” he said.
He stressed that ensuring a quorum is a fundamental duty of the majority so the Senate can seamlessly carry out its functions.
“Responsibilidad ng majority mag-provide ng quorum kaya nga kayo majority… Kaya ikaw (ang) presiding officer para tuloy yung pag-preside mo,” he added.
Pimentel reiterated that lawmakers, particularly those in leadership positions, must never abandon their responsibilities, warning that doing so diminishes their institutional authority and permits the remaining members to govern in their absence.