Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has reportedly emerged as the biggest obstacle in efforts to unseat Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano after allegedly insisting he be reinstated as Senate chief in exchange for supporting another leadership change.
According to a Politiko source, the 11-member minority bloc had been seriously considering Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as a possible replacement for Cayetano amid growing dissatisfaction over the latter’s leadership style.
However, negotiations reportedly stalled after Escudero and four allied senators allegedly refused to support the move unless Escudero himself would return as Senate president.
“Chiz was reportedly willing to join forces with the minority bloc, but only if the deal ended with him reclaiming the Senate presidency. The message was clear: no Chiz, no deal,” the source said.
Escudero is reportedly allied with Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and siblings Mark Villar and Camille Villar.
The report also claimed that some members of the group are facing separate legal controversies. The Villar siblings were allegedly linked to insider trading complaints, while Escudero, Villanueva, and Estrada were reportedly among those recommended by the Department of Justice for possible charges tied to the controversial flood control scam.
Had Escudero’s bloc joined the minority, the group would have supposedly secured 16 votes — more than enough to remove Cayetano from the Senate presidency. Under Senate rules, at least 13 votes are needed to elect a Senate president.
The source also claimed Escudero maintained his position despite alleged discussions with Malacañang regarding a possible leadership change in the Senate.
“Chiz reportedly told Malacañang he was open to another leadership change, but only if he himself would become Senate president. It was essentially a take-it-or-leave-it position,” the source added.
The minority bloc reportedly preferred Gatchalian because he was viewed as less divisive and more reform-oriented.
“The minority liked Win because he’s reform-minded, easy to work with, and deeply familiar with the budget process. For the group, he represented a fresh start for the Senate,” the source said.
