Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has secured the support of the seven-member Duterte bloc in his bid to keep the leadership post, said Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, the vice president’s ally.
“Nakapag-commit na kami [We have already committed],” Dela Rosa said in a press conference on Wednesday, July 9.
“Wala naman kaming nakitang hindi dapat suportahan so we support him [We didn’t see any reason not to support him, so we’re supporting him]” he added.
This is the first confirmation from the group, following earlier statements by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito that the Duterte bloc is part of the growing majority rallying behind Escudero’s leadership.
Dela Rosa said the bloc includes himself and the following allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte:
+ Bong Go
+ Robin Padilla
+ Rodante Marcoleta
+ Imee Marcos
+ Mark Villar
+ Camille Villar
Dela Rosa said he has signed the resolution supporting Escudero’s leadership but is unsure whether the other members have done the same.
Asked about Senator Imee Marcos, Dela Rosa said: “I don’t know kung nag-usap na sila personally, pero in principle, kami sa Duterte bloc napag-usapan namin – we are inclined to support Senate President Chiz Escudero.”
[Translation: I don’t know if they’ve spoken personally, but in principle, we in the Duterte bloc have discussed it – and we are inclined to support Senate President Chiz Escudero.]
Dela Rosa added that he did not ask for anything in exchange for his support, but added that he expects to retain his chairmanship of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs.
He also confirmed that Senator Rodante Marcoleta has requested to head the powerful Blue Ribbon Committee.
“I presume napangako na sa kanya [I presume it has been promised to him],” Dela Rosa said.
Impeachment no bearing
Asked whether the impeachment trial of the vice president was discussed in talks to support Escudero, Dela Rosa said it was not an issue.
“His stand towards impeachment is not a factor in our decision to support him as Senate president,” he said.
Escudero has faced criticism for allegedly delaying the impeachment trial. He has defended his actions, saying he is simply following Senate rules.
Before the 19th Congress adjourned in June, Dela Rosa moved to dismiss the impeachment complaint over alleged constitutional violations. The Senate, voting 18–5, instead opted to remand the complaint to the House of Representatives – pending compliance with requirements, including a certification that the complaint does not violate the Constitution and confirmation that members of the 20th Congress are willing to pursue the trial.
Dela Rosa said the Duterte bloc has not yet discussed its collective plan for the 20th Congress, but he personally intends to raise the issue of jurisdiction on the Senate floor.
“Siguro ang pinaka-unang motion ko is to determine whether or not the Senate of the 20th Congress is willing to be bound by the actions of the previous Senate. Yun lang ang question ko, para masettle natin ang issue on jurisdiction,” he said.
