Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday described the ongoing impasse in the Senate as “untenable and unacceptable,” calling on lawmakers to rise above political divisions and prioritize the institution’s mandate to serve the Filipino people.
In a statement explaining his latest decision amid tensions within the chamber, Escudero stressed that the Senate’s ability to function effectively should take precedence over political disagreements and personal allegiances.
“The current impasse in the Senate is untenable and unacceptable,” Escudero said.
He warned that growing divisions among senators risk undermining the chamber’s constitutional duties.
“When political divisions become too extreme and obstruct our mandate, we must all have the courage to pause, gain perspective, reflect, consider and realize that we should put the Senate, as the institution that we serve, above ourselves,” he said.
Escudero emphasized that his position was not aligned with any political bloc or faction, but was instead rooted in his responsibility to protect the institution.
“This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate. My allegiance is not to any faction, personality, group or alliance. This is not about loyalty, betrayal, or choosing one group over the other—this is about duty,” he said.
Addressing critics and supporters alike, the Senate chief underscored that the issue should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
“Hindi ito usaping pampulitika. Wala akong sinasamahan o iniiwanang grupo, pangkat o paksyon. Hindi ko sinasabi na may mali o tama o may nagkulang o nagmalabis kaninuman. Ngunit hindi pwedeng manatili tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang naaapektuhan na ay ang mismong kakayahan ng Senado na gampanan ang kaniyang tungkulin sa bayan.”
Escudero said his decision was guided by the need to restore stability and ensure that the Senate continues to fulfill its responsibilities to the public.
“Ito ang rason at dahilan ng aking pasya ngayong araw na ito. Hinihiling ko ang inyong pag-unawa sa amin, kasabay ng inyong panalangin para sa inyong Senado na malampasan ang hamon na ito at patuloy na magampanan namin ang aming tungkulin sa inyo at sa sambayanan.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions within the Senate, where political disagreements have raised concerns over the chamber’s ability to carry out its legislative and oversight functions.
Escudero concluded by appealing for understanding and prayers from the public as the Senate works to overcome the challenges confronting the institution.
