Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has dismissed reports suggesting he is set to be elected as presiding officer of the Senate impeachment court, saying no such decision has been made and that discussions remain premature ahead of the trial’s formal start.
He said the impeachment court has yet to convene to choose its leadership, noting that proceedings are scheduled to begin on July 6 for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“There is no such decision yet. That will be decided by the impeachment court when we convene on July 6. What’s being said now is purely speculative,” Escudero said in his “Chiz Wiz” podcast on Wednesday.
He said speculation about his possible selection may stem from the limited number of lawyer-senators in the chamber, pointing out that only five of the 24 senators are members of the legal profession.
Escudero said these include him and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan from the majority bloc, and Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, along with Senators Pia Cayetano and Rodante Marcoleta from the minority.
He added that this may be why some observers believe one of the lawyer-senators could be tapped to preside over the impeachment court, particularly since the Senate President is not required to be a lawyer.
However, Escudero stressed that no formal discussion or agreement has been reached on the matter.
He also rejected suggestions that recent shifts in Senate leadership could influence the outcome of the impeachment proceedings, saying the trial schedule had already been set and agreed upon by then-Senate leaders and senators prior to the changes.
“I don’t see any connection between the special session and the impeachment trial of VP Sara,” he said, adding that key milestones such as pre-trial submissions and the July 6 trial date were already finalized earlier.
Escudero said claims linking Senate political tensions to the impeachment process are unfounded, noting that speculation about possible conviction or acquittal does not reflect any formal shift in proceedings.
He likewise said ongoing investigations involving some senators should not be affected by their roles as impeachment court members.
Escudero also confirmed he declined an offer to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore within the Gatchalian-aligned bloc, saying he was not interested in the position.
“I am not interested, I don’t need it,” he said, adding that he had even suggested former Senate President Vicente Sotto III for the role instead.