By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday downplayed alleged attempts to oust him as leader of the upper chamber as mere rumors.
“In my nine years in the House (of Representatives) and 14 years in the Senate, all of these allegations about a coup are mere rumors until they become reality. So I throw the questions back at you. If it is not reality at this point in time, then it is a rumor,” Escudero told Palace reporters in an interview.
“And I don’t comment on rumors because at the end of the day, I will be quoted reacting to a rumor that has no basis of origin really that you can point to,” he added.
But the veteran legislator acknowledged that officers of the Senate serve at the pleasure of the majority.
“It is a known fact and understood fact by all. It’s not a question of securing, it’s a question of simply doing your job on a daily basis until and while you enjoy the confidence of the majority,” he said when asked if he is secure in his post as Senate President.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, and Senators Cynthia Villar and Loren Legarda are rumored to be potential replacements for Escudero.
However, all the senators have already denied involvement in the alleged ouster plot.
Escudero took over as Senate leader in May, replacing then-Senate President Migz Zubiri.
Romualdez hails Escudero leadership
Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed the Senate leadership of Escudero, which he said transformed the upper chamber into a “more dynamic institution.”
In a press conference in Malacañang following the 6th Legislative – Executive Development Advisory Council meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Romualdez credited Escudero’s leadership for the cohesive working relationship between the two chambers of Congress.
“We welcome the leadership of Senate President Chiz Escudero leading the Senate, making it even a more dynamic institution, and one that establishes more cohesion and coordination with the House, thus having an optimum output right now in terms of legislation votes at the national and local levels,” Romualdez said.
“We look forward to working further with our colleagues in Congress and the Senate level under the leadership of Senate President Escudero in pursuit of President Ferdinand Marcos’ priority legislative agenda.”