MANILA, Philippines — “It was purely socials.”
These were the words used by Senate President Francis Escudero to describe the dinner hosted for senators and their spouses by the first couple on Monday evening.
In a text message to reporters, Escudero said it was just a “chillax dinner” and nothing else.
“It was purely socials. Am not the one that invited nor sent invites but, as far as I know, all senators were invited without exception,” said Escudero.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III aired the same remarks as Escudero, further detailing that the dinner was scheduled months ahead.
“[It is] not pre-determined or influenced by any other event,” said Pimentel, dispelling assumptions that there was a hidden agenda for the dinner because it was supposedly held in time for the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
For his part, Sen. JV Ejercito told reporters also on Wednesday that the dinner lasted for about two hours.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos met and had dinner with several senators and their spouses on Monday.
The First Lady herself shared a photo of the dinner through Facebook on Tuesday.
Only Senators Risa Hontiveros, Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go, and the President’s sister, Imee Marcos were not present.
Sen. Marcos said that she was not aware of the dinner and did not receive an invitation.