By Lace Anne Ebuña
(April 11, 2025) – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Friday urged Sen. Imee Marcos to refrain from using the Senate as a platform for her own personal political objectives.
Escudero also refuted Sen. Marcos’ claim that he refused to sign the contempt order against Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Ambassador Markus Lacanilao.
It can be recalled that Lacanilao was cited in contempt and ordered detained by the Senate committee on foreign relations for allegedly lying.
“For the record, I did not refuse to sign the contempt order of Ambassador Markus Lacanilao. Senator Marcos released her statement and flaunted to the media her signed arrest and detention order even before I could see, much less, receive a copy of it,” Escudero explained.
According to Escudero, Ambassador Lacanilao was ordered detained without the requisite approval and due process.
“After several hours of Ambassador Lacanilao’s unauthorized detention, I directed his release, both as a matter of regularity and out of humanitarian consideration as his grandfather is to be laid to rest today,” he added.
The Senate President said in order to comply with the requisites of due process, he is issuing a show cause order for Amb. Lacanilao to explain within five days why he should not be cited in contempt as requested by Sen. Imee Marcos. He will decide whether or not to sign the arrest/detention order only thereafter.
Escudero explained that all members of the Senate are fully aware that under the Rules of the Senate, the power of a committee chairperson to order the arrest or detention of any resource person cited in contempt is subject to the approval of the Senate President.
This safeguard exists to ensure that the powers of the Senate are exercised prudently with due regard for the rights of all and not wielded for personal or political ends.
“For reasons unknown, Senator Imee Marcos appears to have disregarded this longstanding rule or conveniently forgotten it that the approval of the Senate President is not automatic nor ministerial simply because she desires it,” he said.
On the other hand, Escudero assured the public that he will review the committee proceedings and will exercise his duty and discretion in accordance with the law to determine their propriety, devoid of political agenda or motivation, and with the best interest of the people, the country, and the Senate as an institution in mind.
(PB)
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