MANILA, Philippines — Senate Presiding Officer Francis Escudero on Sunday said he would decline an offer to become vice president if Vice President Sara Duterte were removed from office through impeachment, citing conflict of interest.
“I would not accept it for the simple reason that it would be a conflict of interest. We are the ones who would have made the decision,” Escudero said in the 14th episode of his program Chiz Wiz: Usapang May Laman.
Escudero clarified that this was his personal position and not a recommendation to his fellow senators. He also stressed that no offer had been made to him.
“To be fair, I would not turn down an offer because no one has offered me the position,” he said.
Under the Constitution, a vacancy in the vice presidency is filled by a nominee chosen by the president from among members of the Senate or House of Representatives, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of all members of both chambers, voting separately.
Escudero cited the appointment of former senator Teofisto Guingona Jr. as vice president by then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo following the departure of Joseph Estrada.
He said accepting the position after taking part in Duterte’s impeachment trial would be inappropriate.
Escudero maintained that he remained impartial in the impeachment proceedings, saying he had yet to decide how he would vote.
He said the hearings had taught him to be more patient and to allow both sides to fully present their arguments, even when he disagreed with what was being said.
“Everyone has varying levels of patience. The proceedings have taught me to be more patient, to give way and to make concessions,” he said.
He added that one of the most difficult parts of presiding over the trial was restraining his reactions and allowing senators and lawyers to express their views.
“Whether you agree or disagree, or even feel strongly about what is being said, you have to let them speak and you must not react,” Escudero said.
