Marcos backs new Senate President Escudero

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed continued support for newly appointed Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, who replaced the ousted Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Marcos praised Escudero's legislative record and commitment to public service in a statement on Tuesday, May 21, expressing confidence that the Senate will prioritize transformative laws under his leadership.

Escudero took over as Senate President following Zubiri's resignation on Monday, with other senators also stepping down from their positions.

The new Senate leadership includes Jinggoy Estrada as Senate President Pro Tempore and Francis Tolentino as Committee on Rules chairperson and Majority Floor Leader.

Tolentino emphasized that the new Senate leadership would focus on passing the New Government Procurement bill before Congress goes on a break next week, amid concerns from some congressmen about stalled deliberations on pending bills.

Political analysts predict potential partisan politics could overshadow legislative priorities, with constitutional amendments likely taking a backseat due to Escudero's opposition to easing economic restrictions in the Charter.