Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero retained his position after securing 19 votes to five for Sen. Tito Sotto at the opening of the 20th Congress yesterday. He was nominated by Sen. Joel Villanueva and remained in office despite criticism over the alleged delay in the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte.
Among those who voted for Escudero were senators from the Duterte bloc such as Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos and siblings Mark and Camille Villar. Jinggoy Estrada and Villanueva, who helped form the supermajority, were elected Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader.
Joining the supermajority were JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, brothers Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, and Raffy and Erwin Tulfo. Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan also confirmed their joining Escudero's group. According to Pangilinan, he will remain independent even in the majority to ensure that they can contribute to food security.
Tito Sotto led the minority after losing the polls. With him are Juan Miguel Zubiri, Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda, and Risa Hontiveros.
In his speech, Escudero insisted that the Senate will remain independent and will not bow to public pressure. He also urged senators to unite for the people. “No one has a monopoly on the right idea or love for the country,” he said. Among his priorities are jobs, agriculture, education, health, and justice.
