Escudero seeks re-election as Senate president

Senator Francis Escudero expressed hope for re-election as Senate president in the 20th Congress, emphasizing his readiness to take the helm if supported by majority senators.

Escudero stated that whether or not a resolution supporting his leadership is signed, it would ultimately be decided through a vote when the Senate convenes on July 28.

Senator JV Ejercito said that as many as 16 senators have already expressed support for Escudero to remain as Senate president in the next Congress, with the so-called 'Duterte bloc' and 'veterans bloc' also considering their backing.

Escudero noted that committee chairmanships are finalized after a new Senate president is elected and ongoing discussions about preferred chairmanships continue.

He reiterated his support for banning online gambling, citing the need to address local gaming issues alongside foreign gambling operations.

Three or four bills aiming to either ban or regulate Philippine inland gaming are currently pending in the Senate, with Escudero committed to pushing these measures forward.