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Friday, June 13, 2025

Escudero ‘setting a bad example for the youth’—SCAP

Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero is “setting a bad example for the youth,” according to the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP), which added itself to the list of organizations expressing disappointment over delays on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

SCAP, along with the opposition-allied group Tindig Pilipinas, said it is “painful to think” that the Senate under Escudero’s leadership seems to be ignoring mounting calls for the Senate to convene as an impeachment court.

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“Senate President Chiz Escudero himself is setting a bad example to the youth. So, our question is: What now, Senator Chiz? You were once a symbol of commitment,” the group said in a statement, citing Escudero’s previous positions in standing up against corruption.

“You (Escudero) once stood against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2005. But now, it seems you are the [one] blocking the proceeding of the impeachment against Sara Duterte,” SCAP told the Senate President.

The youth leaders reminded senators that the impeachment process is neither a “drama,” a “circus,” nor a “political game” that must be left dragging for too long, because it undermines the constitutional process to hold public officials accountable.

“This is a democratic mechanism to hold officials accountable who violate the trust of the people and the Constitution. And if the Senate won’t take this seriously, what good are our institutions?” SCAP underscored.

SCAP joined other fellow student and youth-led organizations such as Akbayan Youth, and various other student councils across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in calling for the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte to proceed forthwith.

“Put Sara Duterte on trial. Let the impeachment hearing begin. Restore citizens’ trust in our democracy… We are not afraid. We will not be silent. And we won’t stop. To the senators… show what kind of leaders you are. Act forthwith. The nation is watching,” SCAP said.

Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives earlier this year over questionable disbursements of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President as well as the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure.

Escudero earlier stood firm in his position to not rush the impeachment proceedings despite messages of disappointment from various camps. “Just because they’re in a rush, eager, and really want this to happen, it doesn’t mean we’ll comply,” he said in a press conference.

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