Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced he will not inhibit himself as the presiding officer in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero’s decision comes in response to calls from progressive groups alleging bias and deliberate delays in the proceedings.
He asserted that the group advocating for his inhibition is clearly in favor of impeaching the vice president, which is why he will not entertain their appeal.
On Monday, members of Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) held a protest outside the Senate to demand Escudero’s recusal from the impeachment trial.
The group submitted an open letter signed by 24 student councils and academic organizations from various state and private universities.
A staff member from Escudero’s office received the letter, as SPARK members were not permitted entry into the Senate building.
SPARK spokesperson Miguel Basuel argued that Escudero’s inhibition would help restore public trust in the impeachment process.
Student leaders also tied red ribbons to the Senate gate as a symbolic appeal for Escudero to step down from his role in the trial.