A coalition of activist groups warned on Friday that designating Sen. Francis Chiz Escudero as presiding officer of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could undermine the Senate's credibility.
The groups issued a joint statement expressing serious concern over the reported plan by the new Senate majority to install Escudero in the role. They described the choice as perhaps the most imperfect and one of the most dangerous among available options.
Sen. Panfilo Ping Lacson said last Wednesday that there was consensus among the majority senators to designate Escudero. Senate President Sherwin Win Gatchalian clarified that the plan was not final and noted that Senate rules assign the presiding task to him.
President Marcos said he was not concerned and would support whoever the senators finally choose. He noted that Escudero wrote the impeachment rules used in last year's proceedings.
Duterte was impeached for the second time on May 11 on four articles. Both sides agreed during a pretrial conference to start the trial on July 6.
