CHIZ BINS IMPEACH RAP VS SARA! Senate Boss Woos Duterte Bloc to Keep the Throne

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is reportedly poised to shelve the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a strategic maneuver aimed at solidifying his hold on the Senate leadership by aligning with the powerful Duterte bloc.

A report from Politiko.com.ph revealed that at least 10 senators now support Escudero’s leadership—comprising both staunch Duterte allies and lawmakers resistant to another shift in Senate power dynamics.

Among the key figures opposing the impeachment of VP Duterte are Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, and Robin Padilla, all loyal members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP). Senator Imee Marcos, a known close ally of the Vice President, also expressed her disapproval of the impeachment proceedings.

The Villar family is likewise expected to back Duterte. Outgoing Senator Cynthia Villar and her son, Senator Mark Villar, are seen as political allies of VP Sara, especially after their kin, Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar, secured a strong position in the 2025 senatorial race—reportedly with substantial support from Duterte’s camp.

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and JV Ejercito have also distanced themselves from the impeachment effort. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of focusing on priority legislation, while Ejercito warned that the trial could further divide the Senate and the nation.

Sources also disclosed that Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada support the shelving of the impeachment trial, further weakening the case against the Vice President.

Senate President Escudero clarified that the postponement of the reading of the Articles of Impeachment—now scheduled for June 11—was not directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“No, it did not,” Escudero firmly responded when asked if the delay was a result of a presidential order. “I was not even able to tell Martin, the Speaker, about that. He found out through the letter that I sent him.”

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, for his part, said he respects the Senate’s decision to defer the trial.

“The letter from Senate President Chiz Escudero was pretty straightforward. The impeachment complaint is now with the Senate, and we leave it to their sound discretion as to how they want to proceed,” Romualdez told reporters in an ambush interview.

The move to table the impeachment trial appears to signal a growing consensus in the Senate to avoid political upheaval and maintain institutional stability ahead of the 2025 national elections—further reinforcing Escudero’s position as a key power broker in Philippine politics.