Chiz Escudero re-elected Senate President

Updated Tue, July 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM Published Mon, July 28, 2025 at 10:41 AM

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was re-elected as Senate President during the opening of the 20th Congress, securing 19 votes from his colleagues.

His sole challenger, Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, received five votes and now serves as the minority leader.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada was reelected as Senate President Pro Tempore, and Senator Joel Villanueva was elected as the new Majority Leader.

Joining the supermajority were Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, who confirmed their alliance with the Escudero-led majority.

In his speech, Escudero urged his colleagues to prioritize legislation aimed at lowering the cost of goods, creating more jobs, reforming education and healthcare, mitigating climate change, and strengthening national defense.

He emphasized that the Senate must not "bow to a mob" amidst criticisms, including those concerning the delay in Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio's impeachment proceedings.

The minority bloc, led by Sotto, includes Senators Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Risa Hontiveros.

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Senate Sara Duterte Francis "Chiz" Escudero Risa Hontiveros Juan Miguel Zubiri Joel Villanueva Panfilo Lacson Loren Legarda Jinggoy Estrada Kiko Pangilinan Bam Aquino

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