By Helen Castaño | 09:06 AM June 04, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol— Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero on Wednesday described the ongoing impasse in the Senate as “untenable and unacceptable,” urging lawmakers to set aside political differences and prioritize the institution’s mandate to serve the Filipino people.
In a statement issued on June 3, Escudero said the Senate must remain above partisan interests, especially when political divisions begin to hamper its ability to perform its 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,” Escudero said.
The senator stressed that the situation should not be viewed as a political contest between rival groups or personalities.
“This is not a political contest. I am not taking sides. I am taking a stand for the Senate,” he said, adding that his allegiance is not to any faction, alliance, or political bloc but to the institution itself.
Escudero emphasized that the issue is not about loyalty, betrayal, or determining who is right or wrong. Instead, he said the concern is the growing impact of the deadlock on the Senate’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.
In Filipino, he said he is not siding with or abandoning any group and is not assigning blame to anyone involved in the dispute. However, he noted that the Senate cannot remain in its current state because its capacity to fulfill its duties to the nation is already being affected.
Escudero said these considerations formed the basis of his decision on the matter, although he did not elaborate on specific actions being taken.
Escudero also appealed for public understanding and prayers as the Senate works through the challenge.
“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,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions within the Senate, with lawmakers facing divisions that have raised concerns about the chamber’s ability to effectively conduct its legislative and oversight functions.
