Escudero resignation from 2 panels seen as deft political move

SENATE President Franklin Drilon commended on Tuesday Senator Francis Escudero’s resignation as chairman of the committee on finance, calling it a “deft political move.”

Aside from the finance committee, Escudero also resigned as co-chairman of the joint congressional oversight committee on public expenditures lest he be accused of using the posts while he still thinking whether or not to run for a higher office in 2016.

READ: Citing ‘delicadeza,’ Escudero quits as head of 2 Senate panels

“It is certainly commendable that Senator Francis Escudero voluntarily resigned as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, so that the 2016 national budget will be shielded from possible allegations of partisanship should he seek higher office in the next elections,” Drilon said in a statement.

“The political season is already upon us. Having said that, his resignation is a deft political move. This early, he will be able to fend off any possible accusations that the 2016 national budget is being designed to help his candidacy. As chairman of the finance Committee, all eyes would have been on Senator Escudero, especially that of his political adversaries,” he added.

Drilon said he would immediately consult with the majority coalition as to who will be the next chairman of the finance committee.

“Rest assured that the Senate’s handling of the 2016 national budget will not be affected by this development and it will be passed on time, in order to ensure the uninterrupted flow of services and programs to the people,” the Senate leader said.