A coalition of civil society organizations on Friday raised objections to the prospect of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero taking charge of the impeachment court that will try Vice President Sara Duterte, arguing that his earlier conduct in the case makes him the wrong figure to oversee the proceedings.
The opposition stems from a reported decision by the Senate’s majority bloc to install Escudero as presiding officer once the chamber reconvenes as an impeachment tribunal. Senator Panfilo Lacson disclosed earlier this week that members of the bloc had reached an initial consensus to choose Escudero, pointing to his training as a lawyer and his familiarity with impeachment procedure as the basis for the preference.
In a joint statement, the groups behind Tindig Pilipinas said the plan carried real hazards for the institution. “We express serious concern over the reported plan of the new Senate majority to designate Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment court of twice-impeached Vice President Sara Duterte,” they wrote. They acknowledged that practical calculations may lie behind the choice but cautioned that it ranked among the weakest available, adding: “In a Senate composed of imperfect options, we recognize the tactical considerations that may have informed this plan. But among the available options, this is perhaps the most imperfect and one of the most dangerous.”
Much of the coalition’s unease, according to Rappler, traces back to how Escudero managed the case during his tenure as Senate President. The groups pointed to his reading of the constitutional instruction to act “forthwith,” which they said opened the door to repeated delays. The Inquirer reported that the statement carried the signatures of groups including 1Sambayan and the August Twenty One Movement, alongside individuals such as Fr. Flavie Villanueva.
The Senate under Escudero’s leadership voted on August 6, 2025 to archive the first impeachment complaint, a step that effectively shelved the matter at the time. That vote followed a Supreme Court ruling on the case. The chamber had earlier drawn criticism for returning the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives rather than moving immediately into trial.
The coalition also pushed back on the argument that Escudero’s legal credentials qualify him for the role. “The argument that Escudero is best suited for the role because of his legal background is unconvincing,” the group said, adding that legal expertise on its own does not assure impartiality or loyalty to the Constitution’s intent.
Whether Escudero will in fact take the chair remains unsettled. Gatchalian told reporters he did not wish to get ahead of the discussion, noting that the question still rests with the full Senate. Under the chamber’s rules, the Senate President presides by default unless the body decides otherwise, leaving room for the arrangement to shift before the trial is set to open on July 6.
Escudero’s position has drawn backing from the highest office. Speaking to reporters in Kazan, Russia, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. brushed aside the criticism directed at the senator, saying such views were merely opinions and would not shape how Escudero performs. Marcos said he would support whoever the Senate selects, provided the manner of the choice is proper, legal and constitutional.
