Gatchalian to focus on legislative work as Escudero presides over trial

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Monday that the move to designate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the impeachment court’s presiding officer will allow him to focus on legislative matters.

During the first day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, Escudero was elected as  the presiding officer in Gatchalian’s stead.

“I raised with my colleagues the idea of electing Senator Escudero to preside over the impeachment court, and I’m glad the body acted on it,” Gartchalian said in a statement.

Article continues after this advertisement

He continued: “This was a deliberate suggestion on my part. Looking at everything before this Senate in the coming months, I felt strongly that the impeachment trial and our other constitutional duties each deserved a leader’s full, undivided attention, not one competing with the other for the same hours in the day.”

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Escudero elected to preside over Duterte impeachment trial

With this set up, Gatchalian stated that he would be able to mobilize “equally important business” including the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council measures, the upcoming 2027 national budget hearings, and other hearings on other national concerns.

He also assured that Duterte’s trial is still a priority, the same way several legislative matters are.

“I want to assure the public that this does not mean that we are ignoring the gravity of this trial… Impeachment is just one of the issues that this Senate must deal with with full skill,” Gatchalian asserted.

As the Senate President at the impeachment court, Gatchalian still retains “full supervision” over the chamber. He also vowed to “ensure the proceedings are conducted fairly.” /mr

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.