It’s unconstitutional, Escudero says on being possible successor to Duterte

While elated by the mention of his name, Sen. Francis Escudero brushed aside any speculations that he could be the President’s successor.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in a speech Tuesday night, reportedly said that he would only step down if he would be replaced by the likes of Escudero and former  Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

READ: Duterte to step down if Bongbong Marcos, Chiz Escudero would replace him

“Nakakataba yung paniniwala ni Pangulong Duterte subalit sila na mismo ang nagsabi na wala namang legal na paraan para mangyari yun,”  Escudero  told  reporters on Wednesday.

[President Duterte’s opinion is heartwarming, but they themselves have said it has no legal basis.]

Asked about President’s view that he was capable of leading the country, Escudero said: “Pananaw niya yun pero, gaya nga ng sabi ko, nakakataba ng puso yung kaniyang paniniwala subalit hanggang doon na lang marahil yun.”

[That’s his opinion, but like I said, his opinion is heartwarming, but that’s just it.]

Asked why he thinks the President saw him as his possible successor, the senator said he had no idea. But said in jest: “Feeling ko nga gifted ako eh.”

[I feel I’m gifted.]

Turning serious, the senator agreed that the possibility of him taking over the presidency was not allowed by the Constitution.

“Ano mang usapin sa labas ng Saligang Batas ay walang patutunguhan sa aking paniniwala,” he said.

[Any talks outside the Constitution will not fly, in my opinion.]

Escudero said the President was probably just expressing his frustration over the slow pace of solving corruption and  peace and order problems in the country. /atm