By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Chiz Escudero stated that he is not interested in becoming Vice President, even if Vice President Sara Duterte were to be impeached.
“Sang-ayon sa Saligang Batas, kapag na-impeach ang bise presidente, ang papalit ay pipiliin ng Presidente mula sa Kongreso. Hindi automatic na Senate President ‘yan. Hindi porke’t number three ako, number two ang VP, at number one ang President, number four ang Speaker — hindi ibig sabihin na ‘yun na ang papalit sa number two,” Escudero explained.
He added, “Bilang panghuling katugunan, iniisip ko ba ‘yun? Hindi. In fact, sinabi ko na ‘yan ilang araw na ang nakalilipas na hindi ako interesadong maging bise.”
Under the 1987 Constitution, when the vice president’s position becomes vacant, the President nominates a replacement from among the members of Congress. Both the Senate and the House will then vote separately to confirm the new vice president.
Escudero also clarified that he has no plans to run for president in the 2028 elections, though he can still seek re-election as a senator.
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