Escudero rules out replacing VP Sara if convicted, cites conflict of interest

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 26, 2026

Photo courtesy: Senate of the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said he would turn down any offer to become vice president if Sara Duterte is convicted and removed from office, arguing that accepting the position after presiding over her impeachment trial would raise serious ethical concerns.

Escudero, who leads the Senate impeachment court, made the statement during an episode of his podcast Chiz Wiz: Usapang May Laman, released on Sunday, October 25.

He explained that it would be inappropriate for someone involved in deciding Duterte’s removal to later assume the position left vacant by that decision.

“Hindi ko tatanggapin sa simpleng rason, conflict of interest. Kami ang nagpapasya, hindi yata tama yun,” Escudero said.

He clarified that no one had offered him the vice presidency and that his refusal was a personal decision, not a position he was imposing on other senators.

Under the 1987 Constitution, if the vice presidency becomes vacant, the President must nominate a replacement from among the members of the Senate or House of Representatives.

The nominee must then secure confirmation through a majority vote of both chambers of Congress, voting separately.

Escudero’s remarks come as Duterte continues to face impeachment proceedings over allegations concerning her wealth and financial disclosures. She has not been convicted, and the trial remains ongoing.

Beyond addressing speculation about a possible replacement, Escudero also defended his handling of the proceedings, maintaining that he has not reached a decision on Duterte’s case.

He rejected suggestions that he was favoring either side, explaining that the prosecution faces greater scrutiny because it bears the responsibility of proving the allegations.

According to Escudero, the defense will be subject to the same standards when it begins presenting its evidence.

The senator also cautioned against allowing public opinion to determine the outcome of the trial.

While acknowledging that political considerations can influence elected officials, he stressed that senator-judges must base their decisions on the evidence presented and the applicable law rather than survey results.

His remarks come amid recent public opinion polls showing divided views on whether Duterte should be convicted or acquitted.

An OCTA Research survey released on October 21 found that 47% of respondents wanted to examine the evidence before reaching a conclusion, while 25% favored acquittal and 21% supported conviction.

The impeachment trial is scheduled to resume on November 9, when Duterte’s defense team will begin presenting its witnesses and evidence.

The prosecution has already withdrawn three of the four impeachment articles, leaving only Article II, which concerns allegations of unexplained wealth.

Following the withdrawal, the impeachment court also relaxed its sub judice restrictions on the dropped allegations, allowing both sides, particularly Duterte’s camp, to publicly address matters that will no longer be heard as separate charges during the trial.

Escudero said the proceedings could conclude before the end of 2026, although the timeline will depend on the number of witnesses presented by the defense and the duration of cross-examinations.

The Senator maintains that his decision on Duterte’s impeachment remains open, and that he has no intention of seeking the vice presidency should the Senate eventually vote to remove her from office.