Chiz quits as chairman of 2 Senate finance panels

MANILA, Philippines - In a move seen as preparation for the coming elections, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero resigned his posts yesterday as chairman of the Senate committee on finance and as co-chairman of the joint congressional oversight committee on public expenditures.

In his resignation letter, Escudero cited delicadeza or propriety as his reason for resigning, adding that he is seriously thinking about running for a higher post next year.  

“It is, Mr. President, what propriety requires; it is, I believe, what our people expect from us all: delicadeza,” he stated in his letter to Senate President Franklin Drilon.

“I believe that it behooves me to step down at this juncture to ensure that deliberations on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) – considered the single most important piece of legislation passed by Congress each year – are untainted by suspicions or perceptions of partisan politics,” Escudero said.

“It is a big indication that they will run,” said Drilon, referring to a possible pairing with Sen. Grace Poe in the presidential elections next year.

“It is beyond political imagination that he will run alone. So he must run with a runningmate, with Grace Poe as president. Because they have been saying that they will run together,” he added.

Drilon, vice chairman of the ruling Liberal Party, is expected to endorse the presidential bid this week of its presumptive standard bearer, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Asked if the presidential elections will be a three-way fight, Drilon remarked, “that’s how it’s shaping now.”

Drilon noted that Escudero, being chairman of the finance committee, would be closely watched by his political adversaries.

According to Escudero, public pronouncements regarding his possible candidacy for higher office dictate that he should give up the two powerful finance panels and spare the budget deliberation from possible misperception that he might use it to further his political plans and actions.

Escudero also expressed gratitude to Drilon as Senate President for entrusting him with the crucial responsibility of managing the Senate’s role in fulfilling Congress’ duty of overseeing the proper use of public funds.

Nonetheless, Escudero said he will still actively participate in the deliberations of the 2016 national budget as member of the majority coalition.

Escudero added he will remain with the majority bloc at the Senate and his support for President Aquino remains intact.

Escudero belied speculations of a fallout with the President.

“No, we remain friends and as I said, my support for him continues,” he said.

Whether Poe runs for any post next year, Escudero said he will continuously support Poe in any capacity. Escudero’s term as senator ends in 2019.

As a potential candidate, Escudero added that he is also bracing for more attacks in the run-up to the May elections. 

He downplayed reports that he may have been pressured to resign due to threats that critics will expose Escudero’s shenanigans regarding the budget.

Malacañang welcomed the decision of Escudero to resign from his posts at the Senate.

“We respect his decision,” Press Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

“Given that the President has been vocal about the importance of passing the (national budget) on time, we are confident the Senate will act quickly on the development,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte added.

Congressmen lauded Escudero’s decision.

“That’s a very laudable move. That’s great,” House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said.

What is important is that public funds are not used for partisan politics, adding others could also do the same depending on their sense of propriety, he said.

– Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla