PASAY CITY — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has revealed the potential appointment of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as a presiding officer for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 6, 2026.

“As per our consensus as of this morning, we will elect Senator Chiz Escudero if we convene again,” he said

Lacson noted that the senators had already agreed on the matter, and Senate President Win Gatchalian also supports the possible appointment.

“Lawyer eh at saka may experience na rin siya sa impeachment. 'Yun ang consensus namin as of this morning, puwedeng magbago, and si Senator Win mismo, Senate President Win, ang nag-suggest din,” he said

[“He’s a lawyer, and he already has experience when it comes to impeachment. That is our consensus as of this morning, though it could still change, and Senate President Win himself actually is the one who suggested it.”]

He also stated that Escudero’s extensive legal background and mastery of impeachment procedures would be an asset. 

“Kasi alam niyo pag ikaw nagp-preside, kailangan talaga meron kang hindi basic knowledge sa law. Yung rules of court, evidence. Kasi once na merong magmosyon  from either from the prosecution or defense, merong pagkakataon na kailangan mag-rule ka immediately 'di ba?”

[“Because you see, when you are the one presiding, you need more than just a basic knowledge of law, the rules of court, the evidence. Once there’s a motion filed by either the prosecution or the defese, there will be instances where you need to rule immediately.”]

Senator Escudero has not yet responded to the matter.

With reports from Jed Nerecina