A lawmaker welcomed Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s decision to attend the Senate plenary session, describing it as a significant step toward restoring the chamber’s functionality and reinforcing its institutional responsibilities amid an ongoing leadership dispute and political deadlock. The move, he said, reflects a commitment to ensuring that the Senate continues to fulfill its legislative mandate despite prevailing challenges.
In his fb message, Sen. Bam Aquino lauded Escudero’s courage and dedication to the Senate and the nation, signaling a hopeful push for his colleagues to move past internal conflicts and return to their primary duty of legislative service.
By urging a collective shift back to work, he emphasized the need for stability and focus, underscoring that the institution must prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over the partisan tensions that have recently paralyzed the legislative process.
The senator was reinstalled as Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture and pushing for an immediate return to normalcy in the upper chamber.
For Aquino, the current impasse is not merely procedural. It is a direct disservice to the Filipino people and wasted opportunity and time.
He also reflects on the impact of the leadership shift on his own capacity to serve.
It’s very strained. Very, very strained. And ang worry ko lang dito is with all of the tension, nawawala yung trabaho. Kasi yung committee mo, diyan ka nag-hearing, diyan kanagpapasa ng committee report,” he said.
Despite the friction, Aquino remains hopeful that the Senate can fulfill its mandate if members prioritize their shared responsibility over partisan interests.
“Hinihiling po namin sa mga kasama namin, na nagmamahal pa po sa Senado, at nais magtrabaho para sa taumbaya. Dito ho kami magdiskusyunan, dahil nandito po tayo para magtrabaho. Hinihikayat po namin lahat ng kasama namin na nagmamahal pa dito po sa Senado, magtrabaho tayo para sa taumbayan,” he urged his fellow senators.
While the deadlock persists, Aquino continues to ensure the continuity of vital programs. He remains focused on his core advocacy for education, including the Related Learning Experience (RLE) Subsidy. This program, which provides a P25,000 grant to nursing and allied health students.
Looking toward the upcoming legislative calendar, he is aware of the looming challenges including the impeachment proceedings that threaten to further dominate the Senate floor.
Despite the senate conflict, Aquino sees a silver liningin the heightened public engagement and interest in the inner workings of the government. He believes that the increased scrutiny offers a unique opportunity for civic education.
“Maganda siya in the sense na nakatutok yung tao. Maraming natututo about the Senate. Honestly, about majority, minority… That’s why mahalaga yung majority kasi dun mo magagawa yung mga batas, dun mo makakontrol yung mga rules, dun mo mapag-uusapan ano yung takbo ng isang senado o isang kongreso kapag kaya yung nasa mayorya. So people are starting to learn more about what’s happening in the Senate and at least yun yung magandang bagay dito,” he explained.
Aquino is calling on the public to remain vigilant and closely scrutinize the actions of their elected officials, emphasizing that accountability is the bedrock of public service. He urges Filipinos to stay informed and engaged, not just during high-profile political events, but throughout the entire legislative process to ensure their representatives are truly prioritizing the nation’s interests over partisan agenda.
