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‘Bloodied but unbowed’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • VP Sara in Senate premises but skips 2nd day impeachment trial

VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte arrived at the Senate on Tuesday, July 7, but skipped the second day of the impeachment hearing despite a plea from the prosecution to get her subpoenaed as a hostile witness.

Her arrival sent the Senate into near-lockdown, with security forces tightening perimeters around the Pasay City complex to control anticipated crowds and media scuffles.

The Vice President gave a brief but emotionally charged statement to reporters waiting at the Senate entrance, invoking poetic themes of resilience under heavy political fire.

“In this bloodbath and bludgeoning, I will be bloodied but unbowed,” Duterte told reporters.

Despite her arrival at the legislative building, her legal team moved quickly to clarify that the Vice President would not be taking the stand or facing the senator-judges inside the plenary session hall today.

Atty. Michael Poa, one of the lead defense counsels, confirmed to reporters that Duterte’s physical presence at the Senate was strictly operational.

Duterte came exclusively to meet with her defense team in their designated holding area to review tactical strategy as the trial progresses. But she will not be formally presenting herself before the Senate impeachment court, maintaining her team’s strategy regarding direct cross-examination.

Atty Lorna Kapunan, one of the private prosecutors in the impeachment trial, pointed out Duterte’s presence in the Senate and if it would be possible for the senator-judges to issue a subpoena for the second-highest official to present herself before the court.

However, Presiding Senator-Judge Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero thumbed down the motion, insisting that the impeachment rules do not require the respondent to be present in the trial as she is amply represented by her defense team.

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Chiz seeks Senate action on measure protecting power sector workforce

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressed hope that the Senate Committee on Energy will soon take up Senate Bill 498, which aims to provide wider protection and benefits for workers in the power sector.

Escudero made the remark as Meralco announced a P0.2226 per kilowatt-hour increase in February power rates, raising household bills by about P45 for typical consumers.

He noted that discussions on affordability should also consider the welfare of the workforce that ensures reliable electricity delivery.

“Consumers are burdened by rising rates, but the linemen and frontliners who keep the grid running face risks and inadequate safeguards. SB 498 seeks to address this gap,” Escudero said.

“Consumers see the peso impact on their bills, but behind every kilowatt-hour is a workforce exposed to hazards. Protecting them is part of ensuring that the system remains efficient and cost-effective,” he added.

SB 498, which he authored, is currently pending at the committee level. It seeks to institutionalize benefits and protections for power workers, including linemen who are often first responders during typhoons, earthquakes, and brownouts.

The senator from Bicol argued that by strengthening worker morale, the measure helps stabilize service delivery by preventing hidden costs that eventually affect consumers. Escudero further linked his measure to the country’s energy transition.

“As we expand solar, wind, and other renewable projects, we need a skilled and secure workforce to integrate these into the grid. Protecting workers is part of future-proofing our energy system.”

“The bill is awaiting formal hearings. I hope the committee of Senator Pia Cayetano takes it into consideration. Consumers deserve fair rates, but they also deserve a power sector that is safe, resilient, and staffed by workers who know their welfare is valued,” he said.

“In the end, protecting workers is protecting consumers,” Escudero added. “SB 498 ensures that the people who keep the lights on are not left in the dark when it comes to benefits and security. I look forward to the committee’s discussions on this measure.”

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Chiz on Comelec’s decision: ‘It restores my faith in our institutions’

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the Commission on Election (Comelec) that cleared him of alleged violation in connection with a campaign donation made in the 2022 polls, saying it restored his faith in government institutions particularly when the process is fair.

The Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) said in its decision released on November 26 that Escudero did not violate any provision of the Omnibus Election Code, specifically Section 95(c), and recommended the termination of the case “as there being no evidence to support the complaint.”

“Since we first ran for public office in 1998, we have worked to consistently comply with our election laws because this is the foundation of public trust,” Escudero said.

“The Commission on Elections decision affirms what we have always believed and practiced—that transparency, honesty, and adherence to the rules matter, and that the truth prevails when the process is fair,” he added.

The ₱30‑million contribution had been duly declared by Escudero in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for the 2022 elections. The PFAD’s ruling affirms that the donation was lawful and properly reported, underscoring Escudero’s transparency and compliance with election rules.

Escudero expressed his gratitude to the Comelec for upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

According to Escudero, the ruling is not only a vindication of his campaign but also a reminder of the importance of trust in democratic institutions and vowed to carry forward this renewed mandate by continuing to serve the public with fairness and dedication.

“The Comelec’s ruling strengthens my faith in our institutions and reinforces my commitment to continue serving with integrity and accountability,” he said.

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Marcos admin’s evidence-based approach good for flood control probe: Chiz

by Contributor
written by Contributor

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” Escudero commended on Tuesday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for pursuing evidence-based investigations into the flood control budget irregularities that have led to the filing of corruption and malversation cases, stressing the importance of accountability and cautioning against diversions that only protect the guilty and harm the innocent.

During the Senate plenary deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget, Escudero said the administration, as stated by Secretary Vince Dizon, has indeed chosen to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even when politically sensitive.

“Binabati ko po ang administrasyon dahil hindi sila sumunod at nagpadala sa anumang script o sarswela para ilihis ang mga tunay na salarin tulad ng sinabi ko nung ako ay huling tumayo at nagsalita dito sa Senado,” he said. “Ayon mismo kay Secretary Dizon, ang sinusundan lamang nila, base sa kautusan ng Pangulong Marcos, ay kung saan sila dinala ng ebidensya.”

The Ombudsman has already filed corruption and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, former DPWH Undersecretary Wilfredo Bernardo, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Hernandez, and directors of Sunwest Corporation in connection with flood control project anomalies.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which has been tasked by the President to lead the investigations, has turned over documents to the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to the role of former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in the anomalies to determine possible administrative or criminal accountability under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, and other applicable laws.

The Bicolano senator praised the administration for its determination to uphold justice, even when investigations touch close to home. He noted that the President’s directive to “follow the evidence” has ensured that accountability is pursued consistently and without diversion.

“Alam kong hindi naging madali ang desisyong ito para kay Pangulong Marcos nang malaman niya na posibleng sangkot ang kaniyang pinsan. Kaya, binabati ko ang kaniyang sigasig na panagutin ang mga tunay at dapat managot, at ang pagtutol niya sa anumang dibersyon dahil marami nang mga inosenteng tao ang nadamay sa tangkang paglilihis na ito,” he stressed.

Escudero reminded the public that while anger against corruption is justified, judgment must be based on facts and evidence, and not on speculation or intrigue.

“Dapat lang tayong magalit sa korupsyon at anumang uri ng pag-abuso sa kapangyarihan. Subalit, huwag tayo maging padalos-dalos sa paghusga. Maging mapanuri din tayo sa mga mema na nais lamang magpunla ng pagkakawatak-watak natin di lamang dito sa Senado kundi sa buong bansa,” he concluded.

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