PBBM, FL host senators at Malacañang after leadership change

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hosted a dinner for senators and their spouses at Malacañang on Tuesday evening, May 21, following a leadership change in the Senate.

The gathering included newly elected Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero and his wife, actress Heart Evangelista.

Also present were Senators Robin Padilla, Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Loren Legarda, and Pia Cayetano.

Spouses of some senators attended, including former Senate President Manny Villar and Cavite Representative Lani Mercado.

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Loren Legarda were among those who did not support the ouster of former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

The dinner occurred a day after Zubiri stepped down, claiming he was "ousted for not following instructions" with 15 senators voting for Escudero's leadership.

The Palace did not disclose further details about the discussions during the dinner.