Escudero Responds to Confrontation Between Zubiri and Cayetano
CHIZ ESCUDERO – The Senate President commented on the recent altercation between Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Alan Peter Cayetano, stating he sees no reason to discipline them.
In a media interview on September 25, Escudero emphasized that the senators are human and can sometimes be carried away by their emotions. He noted that their heated exchange was related to their beliefs and advocacy, and it was quickly resolved when they apologized to each other.
“Gaya ng nasabi ko, tao lang naman [sila] na minsan lumalabas ‘yong bugso ng damdamin kaugnay sa kanilang paniniwala at adbokasiya,” Escudero said. “At natapos din naman ‘yon makalipas ang ilang minuto kung saan naghingian sila ng tawad sa isa’t isa. Naki-eksena na rin ako, humingi ako ng tawad.”
Escudero added that the long hours of legislative work in recent weeks likely contributed to their tension, as the incident occurred around 8:00 PM when members were already tired. The clash arose after Zubiri questioned the discussion surrounding Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23 filed by Cayetano, which addresses the alleged disenfranchisement of votes from 10 Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBO) barangays in Taguig City and Pateros.
“Dahil medyo mahaba-haba ‘yong oras ng aming pagtatrabaho nitong mga nagdaang linggo, dahil nga sa mga panukalang batas na hinahabol namin. Nangyari ang insidente mag-aalas-nuwebe na rin kasi. So medyo pagod na rin ‘yong mga miyembro at medyo gabi na,” he added.
Meanwhile, Francis Joseph “Chiz” Guevara Escudero currently serves as the 25th President of the Senate of the Philippines, a position he assumed on May 20, 2024, after being elected as a senator in 2022. Escudero previously held various political roles, including serving as governor of Sorsogon from 2019 to 2022 and as a representative for Sorsogon’s 1st district from 1998 to 2007.
Related Post: Cayetano and Zubiri in Near Fistfight During Senate Session