Escudero withdraws from 2 Senate panels

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero (Photo from Escudero’s official Facebook page)

MANILA – With the budget deliberation soon to be started, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero resigned as the chairman of two Senate finance panels so that he would not be given the wrong impression of using government resources for political aims.

Escudero left his position as chairman of the Senate committee on finance and as co-chairman of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Public Expenditures. He has already sent his resignation letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon.

“I thank the honorable Senate President for entrusting the undersigned with the critical responsibility of managing the Senate’s role in fulfilling Congress’ due to oversee the Executive Department’s use of public funds and to ensure that the allocation of the same is guided by what is in the best interest of our people,” the senator’s letter read.

“However, given my public pronouncements regarding a possible candidacy for higher office in 2016, I believe that it behooves me to step down at this juncture to ensure that deliberations on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) – considered the single most important piece of legislation passed by Congress each year – are untainted by suspicions or perceptions of partisan politics,” the letter continued. “It is, Mr. President, what propriety requires; it is, I believe, what our people expect from us all: delicadeza.”

Despite quitting from two Senate panels, Escudero vowed to still continue efforts of ensuring the passage and constitutionality of the GAB. It can be recalled that the Supreme Court earlier declared the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unlawful.

Even after his resignation and consideration of a candidacy, Escudero has yet to officially announce his interest in seeking higher office in next year’s national elections.

Without the senator’s formal announcement yet, several speculations arose that he would run as vice president alongside Senator Grace Poe who would run for president in the coming elections.

“Susuportahan ko ang desisyon ni Senator Poe, tumakbo man sya o hindi, anumang pwesto (I will support the decision of Senator Poe, whether she runs or not, whatever position),” Escudero said.

No falling out with Aquino

Escudero clarified that his irrevocable resignation was only intended to keep the budget deliberations free from politics. He asserted that it has nothing to do with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

“Ayaw ko masabi na ang budget ay ginagamit sa personal na interes o partisan politics…

(I don’t want to be told that the budget is being used for personal interests or partisan politics…),” he said. “We remain friends and my support for him (Aquino) continues.”