• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday described the ongoing political impasse in the Senate as “untenable and unacceptable,” warning that deepening divisions among lawmakers are already affecting the chamber’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
In a statement, Escudero stressed that senators must place the integrity and functionality of the institution above political affiliations and personal interests.
The former Senate President clarified that his position is not aligned with any political faction, emphasizing that his stance is rooted in duty rather than loyalty to any group or alliance.
“This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate,” Escudero said. “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, a member of the majority bloc, attended Wednesday’s Senate session alongside minority senators amid continuing tensions within the chamber.
He said political disagreements had reached a point where they were obstructing the Senate’s ability to effectively perform its responsibilities to the public.
“When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to gain perspective, reflect, and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves,” he said.
While refraining from assigning blame to any individual or group, Escudero maintained that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens. Instead, he called on lawmakers to work toward restoring unity and ensuring the Senate remains focused on serving the Filipino people.
The senator also appealed for public understanding and prayers as the chamber works through the challenges confronting the institution.
His remarks come amid ongoing divisions within the Senate, raising concerns about the legislative body’s ability to carry out its constitutional duties effectively.*
