It underscores the state of repression in Myanmar and shows that the junta remains oblivious to worldwide criticism of its human rights record, parti… - Francis Escudero

However, given my public pronouncements regarding a possible candidacy for higher office in 2016, I believe that it behooves me to step down at this juncture to ensure that deliberations on the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) - considered the single most important piece of legislation passed by Congress each year - are untainted by suspicions or perceptions of partisan politics.

In a democracy, the search for the truth and the right to peaceably assembly and petition government for redress of grievances should co-exist. These rights are not mutually exclusive and both should be simultaneously pursued, guaranteed and defended in accordance with the Constitution.

I nonetheless reiterate my commitment, as a member of the majority bloc in the Senate, to exert efforts to ensure the timely passage of the GAB. I likewise pledge to play an active role in initiatives to put in place strong and categorical safeguards in the GAB to guarantee that it complies with the decision of the Supreme Court (i.e. Belgica v. Ochoa and Araullo v. Aquino) and that it will not be used as a tool for partisan political interests.