Tindig Pilipinas Opposes Escudero as Duterte Impeachment Trial Presiding Officer

Tindig Pilipinas released a statement on Friday, June 19, 2026, opposing the designation of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The coalition said Escudero is “perhaps the most imperfect and one of the most dangerous” option among available choices.

It cited his role as Senate president during the initial stages of the proceedings, when the Senate under his leadership moved to archive the articles of impeachment on August 6, 2025.

Tindig Pilipinas argued that Escudero’s “twisted interpretation” of the constitutional directive to proceed “forthwith” became the basis for delaying the process. The group added that legal knowledge alone does not guarantee fairness or fidelity to the Constitution.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson stated on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that the Senate majority consensus was to elect Escudero as presiding officer when the impeachment court convenes again.

The possibility was first raised by Lacson that day. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Kazan, Russia, that he sees no issue with Escudero serving in the role. Marcos said the 2025 impeachment trial was halted due to a Supreme Court ruling, not because of Escudero’s actions, and that he would support whoever the Senate chooses.

Senate President Win Gatchalian stated on June 18, 2026, that the decision rests with the Senate impeachment court. He noted that under existing rules he is the de facto presiding officer by virtue of being Senate president. On June 3, the Senate ousted Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president.