Escudero voids Marcos' arrest order for Lacanilao, citing irregularities

Senate President Francis Escudero on Friday urged Senator Imee Marcos to refrain from using the Senate for her personal political objectives and instead use her influence to promote unity.

Escudero voided an arrest and detention order issued by Marcos against Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Markus Lacanilao, citing procedural irregularities and humanitarian reasons as Lacanilao was attending his grandfather's wake.

Marcos accused Escudero of undermining the Senate's authority and warned that his actions would set a 'terrible precedent', while Escudero emphasized the importance of upholding Senate rules and due process to ensure institutional integrity.

Escudero stated he will issue a show cause order for Lacanilao within five days to explain why he should not be cited in contempt, before deciding whether to approve his arrest or detention based on a thorough review of the proceedings.

He clarified that Marcos released her statement and flaunted the signed arrest and detention order even before Escudero could see it, emphasizing that due process was not accorded to Lacanilao.

Escudero stressed that he will not allow the Senate nor the Office of the Senate President to be used for petty partisan interests or self-promotion, especially during the upcoming May midterm polls.