Escudero elected new Senate pres after Zubiri resigns

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri announced his resignation as Senate president on Monday during an emotional speech, paving the way for Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero to be unanimously elected by the 19th Congress Senate chamber.

Escudero admitted in a Tuesday interview that he initiated discussions with colleagues last Thursday about replacing Zubiri and secured support from 14 other senators on Sunday night; he formally closed the second regular session of the 19th Congress on Wednesday, apologizing for any hurt caused by the leadership change.

Zubiri cited opposition from supporters of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte as reasons for his resignation, emphasizing that he would continue to serve as an independent senator.

Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, and Senate President Pro-Tempore Lorna Regina 'Loren' Legarda also resigned from their leadership roles.

Senator Francis Tolentino was elected Senate majority floor leader, while Senator Jose 'Jinggoy' P. Ejercito became the new Senate president pro-tempore; Escudero emphasized that the fate of Senate leadership lies on the trust and confidence of the majority of senators.

Escudero stated that hearings and regional consultations on constitutional amendments would be postponed, focusing instead on passing priority measures like the New Government Procurement bill.