President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will respect the Senate’s decision lawmakers move to replace Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President was “shocked” upon learning about reports of a possible leadership change, but emphasized that he would not interfere in the chamber’s internal affairs.
“The President cannot meddle in the Senate’s decision on who should lead them. That is their choice,” Castro said in a statement. “Whoever the senators elect as their leader or president, the President will support,” she added.
Asked whether the development could spark political chaos amid pressing issues such as flood control projects, Castro dismissed such concerns.
“There have been many leadership changes in the past, and there was no problem. The members accepted whatever decision was made,” she said.
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III replaced Escudero on Monday as the new Senate President after the latter was linked to allegations involving flood control project insertions and his ties to contractors, including campaign donor Lawrence Lubiano.
Escudero confirmed that he received a P30 million campaign donation from Lubiano to help the former Sorsogon governor stage his comeback to the Senate in 2022. However, Escudero denied that he used his power to help Lubiano in securing government contracts.
Mr. Marcos has decried what he called “garapalan” or shameless corruption in publicly funded infrastructure projects, vowing to pursue accountability and reforms.
President Marcos is currently in Cambodia with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and some Cabinet members for a three-day state visit.
