Senate President Francis Escudero said he would refuse the vice presidency if Vice President Sara Duterte is convicted and removed from office, citing a conflict of interest after serving as an impeachment judge.
He expressed confidence in the fairness of the trial and urged senator-judges to base their decisions on evidence rather than public surveys.
Escudero also called on the public to reserve judgment until Duterte’s defense presents its case, scheduled to begin on Nov. 9.
He said the trial could conclude before the end of the year, depending on the number of defense witnesses and cross-examinations.
Escudero also defended the decision to relax the Senate’s gag order, allowing Duterte to publicly address allegations that prosecutors withdrew from the impeachment case.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 26, 2026
