Escudero vows to reject VP post if Sara is ousted, urges House to do same

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'I’m not interested in becoming vice president. It leaves a bad taste. We are the ones deciding on the case, and it turns out I want the post?' says Senate President Chiz Escudero

SORSOGON, Philippines – Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday, February 25, promised to reject the vice presidency even if offered to him if Sara Duterte is ousted through impeachment, challenging members of the House of Representatives to do the same.

Escudero told a news conference in Sorsogon City that if Vice President Duterte is unseated, he and members of the lower chamber who signed the impeachment complaint should not accept the post if chosen as her replacement.

“Hindi ako interesado maging bise. Ang pangit naman noon sa panlasa. Kami ang magdedesisyon kaugnay niyan, tapos ‘yun pala, interesado ako at gusto ko pala. So ngayon pa lang, sinasabi ko na, hindi ako interesado at tatanggihan ko ’yun ’pag inalok man sa ’kin ’yun,” he said.

(I’m not interested in becoming vice president. It leaves a bad taste. We are the ones deciding on the case, and it turns out I want the post? So I’m saying now that I’m not interested and will refuse if offered.)

Escudero urged House members behind the impeachment to take the same stance and make the same promise to dispel suspicions of ulterior motives.

The Duterte camp has long been insinuating that House Speaker Martin Romualdez, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cousin, has set his eyes on the vice presidency, and that he has plans of seeking the presidency in 2028. Romualdez has kept mum on this.

Romualdez was the last to sign the impeachment complaint against Duterte.

Any lawmaker can replace a vice president removed through impeachment. The President appoints a successor from the Senate or House, based on the legislature’s endorsement.

Escudero added he is considering retiring from politics after his term in 2028, saying others equally or more capable should take the Senate seat if he bows out. – Rappler.com