Escudero criticizes Marcos for using Senate for reelection bid

Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero criticized Senator Imee Marcos on Friday, April 11, for using the Senate as a platform to boost her reelection bid at the cost of eroding the credibility of the institution.

Marcos had earlier accused Escudero of refusing to sign the contempt order of Markus Lacanilao, who was cited in contempt for allegedly lying during a probe into former President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Escudero defended his decision to release Lacanilao out of humanitarian consideration and due to procedural requirements under Senate rules.

The Senate President stated he would issue a show cause order for Lacanilao within five days and review committee proceedings before deciding whether to sign the detention order.

Escudero emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the Senate is not used for petty partisan interests, especially during the upcoming May midterm polls.