Sen. Francis Escudero said the current impasse in the Senate has become “untenable and unacceptable,” as he urged his colleagues to put the institution above political divisions.
Escudero said senators must step back and reflect when internal conflicts begin to obstruct the chamber’s mandate to serve the public.
“When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider, and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves,” Escudero said.
He maintained that his position was not driven by political loyalty or factional interest, stressing that he was not siding with any group.
“This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate. 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,” he said.
Escudero said the continuing deadlock has already affected the Senate’s ability to perform its duty to the people.
“Hindi ito usaping pampulitika. Wala akong sinasamahan o iniiwanang grupo, pangkat o paksyon. Hindi ko sinasabi na may mali o tama o may nagkulang o nagmalabis kaninuman. Ngunit hindi puwedeng manatili tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang naaapektuhan na ay ang mismong kakayahan ng Senado na gampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin sa bayan,” he said.
He said this prompted his decision, while asking the public for understanding and prayers as the Senate works to overcome the crisis.
“Ito ang rason at dahilan ng aking pasya ngayong araw na ito. Hinihiling ko ang inyong pag-unawa sa amin, kasabay ng inyong panalangin para sa inyong Senado na malampasan ang hamon na ito at patuloy na magampanan namin ang aming tungkulin sa inyo at sa sambayanan,” Escudero said.