Lawmakers hopeful for cha-cha to move forward with Sen. Escudero as new Senate President

May 21, 2024 , 03:55 PM

(May 21, 2024) – Lawmakers are hopeful that the proposed charter change will move forward with Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero as the new Senate President. However, according to Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, the issue will not progress because Escudero is also opposed to cha-cha.

On Monday, Sen. Zubiri formally resigned as Senate President amid alleged widespread plans to oust him. In his resignation speech, he highlighted his efforts to maintain the Senate’s independence and hinted that his forced resignation was due to his refusal to follow certain directives from higher authorities.

“I have dictated my position to any of you, you know that. I’ve always supported the independence which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be,” said Zubiri.

During his term, Zubiri opposed the People’s Initiative for charter change and defended the Senate from various attacks.

“In January we fought against the dreaded people’s initiative which could have destroyed this very institution I’m standing in right now. I have put myself on the line to shield the Senate from all attacks,” he said.

Following Sen. Zubiri’s resignation, Senators Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, and JV Ejercito also stepped down from their leadership positions.

Other senators wasted no time and immediately nominated Sen. Escudero to replace Zubiri. He was appointed as the new Senate President without contest and was sworn in with his wife, Heart Evangelista, by his side.

On the other hand, in a press conference, Zubiri expressed doubts about the future of cha-cha under Escudero, noting he’s known opposition to the initiative.

“Goodbye cha-cha, Sonny Angara has resigned. You know Sen. Escudero is anti cha-cha, I hope the people who support him know that,” he said.

Sen. Escudero confirmed his anti-charter change stance but stated that discussions on the matter would continue with the majority.

Despite this, House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed optimism that the legislative agenda, including charter change, would progress under Escudero’s leadership.

(With from Camille Samonte, News5)

(PB)

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