Senate President Francis Escudero dismissed speculation about his possible assumption to the vice presidency, clarifying that the Constitution dictates a different process for filling the position in case an incumbent is impeached.
“According to the Constitution, if the vice president is impeached, the president will choose a replacement from Congress. The Senate president does not automatically assume the position,” he clarified on Tuesday.
Escudero explained that the president must nominate a replacement from either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
The Senate President also said he is not interested in becoming vice president and would decline the role if offered.
“I am not interested in becoming vice president. That would not sit well. If we are the ones making decisions about it, yet I secretly want the position, that would be inappropriate,” he said.
“I am making it clear now that I am not interested and would decline if it were offered to me. It is neither right nor should it be done,” said Escudero who added that he would not seek reelection in 2028.
“By 2028, the Philippine population will reach 119 million, and I am not the only one capable of fulfilling the duties of one of the 24 senators. I am certain there are individuals who may be even more skilled and hardworking than I am,” he concluded.
He added that the vice presidential nominee must meet the same qualifications required for a senator or a congressman, with the additional requirement of being at least 40 years old.
The nominee must then be confirmed by a simple majority vote from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, voting separately.
He cited historical precedent, referring to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who assumed the presidency after Joseph Estrada was ousted in 2001 and later appointed Senator Teofisto Guingona Jr. as vice president.
The senate chief also urged members of the House to exercise prudence in their decisions to prevent any perception of personal ambition influencing government proceedings.