Photo credit: Senate PH

As the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte looms, all eyes are on Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

Chiz will preside over the trial when the Senate convenes as an impeachment court.

When rumors began circulating that Sara would eventually face impeachment, fueled by congressional investigations into her alleged illegal actions, many observed that Chiz began to play his cards carefully.

As a seasoned lawyer, Chiz understood that these investigations would likely lead to an impeachment trial.

Unlike some of his fellow senators, who couldn’t resist speaking out, Chiz chose to remain silent on the issue, knowing that the Senate, as an impeachment court, must appear impartial.

Having witnessed two previous high-profile impeachment cases—the removal of former President Estrada and the trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona—Chiz understands the importance of optics in politically charged proceedings like this one.

Unlike his past roles—an ordinary House member during the Estrada impeachment and a Senator-Judge during the Corona trial—Chiz now finds himself with a much larger role to play in the Duterte impeachment.

Chiz, who was elected Senate President last year, is acutely aware of the implications this case has not only for the Senate as an institution, but also for the country and his own political future.

Chiz knew that one day, he would be called upon to play a pivotal role in this unfolding political saga.

Whether true or not, many believe that Chiz’s election as Senate President is closely tied to how this matter will unfold once it reaches the Senate. And, indeed, it already has.

Will he toe the line set by the Palace—if such a line exists? Only Chiz knows.

This case will shape Chiz Escudero’s political relevance, with both risks and rewards on the line.

Unlike his predecessor, Senator Migz Zubiri, Chiz is seen as a more experienced consensus-builder, with a political approach that is simpler and more direct than Zubiri’s.

His family’s ties to the Marcoses date back to when his father, Sonny Escudero, served in the Cabinet under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

These connections played a crucial role in why Chiz was Malacañang’s obvious choice for Senate President during the Senate reorganization.

Of course, Chiz could always refute this claim.

Moving on.

Politically, Chiz has fought many battles. Some he won, others he lost, and at times, his defeats derailed his potential as a rising star in Philippine politics.

At 28, he became one of the youngest members of Congress, serving three terms as a representative of Sorsogon’s first district.

His rise to national prominence came during the 2004 presidential campaign, where he served as spokesperson for the late Fernando Poe Jr., the presidential frontrunner.

Although FPJ lost, Chiz capitalized on his role, and in 2007, he ran for Senate, earning the second-highest number of votes.

Since then, Chiz’s political career has seen both triumphs and setbacks.

In 2016, he teamed up with FPJ’s daughter, Senator Grace Poe, during her presidential bid, but they both lost.

When his term as senator expired in 2019, Chiz ran and won as governor of Sorsogon—his home province.

In 2022, he made a successful return to the Senate, winning decisively.

He succeeded Zubiri as Senate President during the early stages of President Marcos Jr.’s term.

Some critics labeled the turnover as a “coup,” but Chiz maintained that he simply had the numbers to justify his rise to the highest post in the Senate.

Now, opportunity knocks again for Senator Escudero, with his central role in the impeachment trial of Sara Duterte.

Chiz may claim that this responsibility wasn’t something he actively sought—it simply came to him.

If Sara is convicted, the Constitution mandates that President Marcos will choose a new Vice President from either the House or Senate.

Additionally, persistent rumors suggest that with House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s poll numbers struggling, the administration may need to find an alternative candidate to replace Marcos Jr. as president when he steps down in 2028.

Regardless, Chiz Escudero is strategically positioned to navigate these political opportunities in line with his agenda, both for the present and the future.

It all hinges on the conviction of the impeached Vice President.

Roseten Tugaff

Roseten “Tenten” Tugaff is an experienced journalist with a rich background in reporting. He began his career in the mid-’90s, working with the now-defunct Manila Chronicle and The Manila Times shortly after graduating from college. Throughout his career, he has also held various roles in government. Currently, he is a freelance media relations practitioner and hosts his own online political podcast.