Tito Sotto is new Senate President in 15-9 vote

Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was elected the new Senate President in a 15-9 vote, replacing Senator Francis Escudero.

The leadership change occurred after Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri moved to declare the Senate President position vacant.

Sotto secured the backing of 15 senators and vowed to ensure the Senate remains cooperative but independent, balanced, transparent, and sincere.

In his first speech as Senate president, Sotto stated that his election came at a critical time when massive corruption anomalies were exposed, specifically mentioning the flood control controversy.

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was elected as the new Senate Pro Tempore, and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri replaced Senator Joel Villanueva as Senate Majority Leader.

Sotto confirmed the appointment of Lacson as Blue Ribbon chair, replacing Rodante Marcoleta.

President Marcos relayed his message of support for the new Senate leadership.

Sotto indicated that Senator Escudero seemed unaware of the impending leadership change until shortly before it happened, despite Sotto and other colleagues informing him of the resolution earlier that day.

Sotto confirmed that he and four colleagues informed Escudero about the resolution concerning the leadership change around 1:30 PM on the day of the ouster, with Senator Joel Villanueva also present and aware.