Escudero Dismisses VP Talks: Says He’s Not Interested
ESCUDERO – Senate President Francis Escudero has put an end to speculation about his potential vice-presidential bid, stating clearly that he is not interested in the position.
Escudero has firmly stated that he is not interested in assuming the position of Vice President should the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte lead to her conviction.
Speaking in an interview on The Philippine STAR’s online show, “Truth on the Line,” Escudero dismissed speculations regarding his potential nomination, emphasizing that the selection process allows any qualified member of Congress to be considered.
“That is an unfair question because the entire Congress above the age of 40, and all of the senators, can be a choice of the President (for vice president),” Escudero said. “I am simply one of them. But if you ask me, I am not interested.”
Under Section 9, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, a vacancy in the vice presidency allows the President to nominate a replacement from among the Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The nominee must then be confirmed by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress, voting separately.
Despite being third in the line of succession as Senate President, Escudero clarified that he would not automatically ascend to the Vice Presidency should the position become vacant. He stressed that the decision lies with the President, subject to congressional approval.
Escudero also underscored the importance of impartiality in the impeachment proceedings. As senator-judges in the trial, he believes it would be inappropriate for any senator involved in the judgment process to accept a nomination for the vice presidency.
“It would not be good to look at. It would be more prudent for those who voted to, if at all, remove the Vice President, to decline any such offer or nomination,” Escudero stated.
He further assured the public that he would not yield to external pressure to either expedite or delay the impeachment process. Responding to criticisms that the Senate failed to convene the impeachment court immediately after receiving the complaint on February 5, Escudero maintained that the Senate could only begin deliberations while in session.
With Escudero’s firm stance on neutrality, the upcoming impeachment trial is expected to proceed without undue political maneuvering, ensuring due process and adherence to constitutional guidelines.
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