President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos have invited senators and their spouses for a casual dinner in Malacañang following the shakeup in the upper house early this week.

The First Lady on Wednesday, May 22, uploaded a Facebook photo captured during the event which took place on Tuesday evening.

“Casual dinner with the Senators and their spouses,” the First Lady wrote.

The senators were led by their newly installed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and wife Heart Evangelista.

Joining them were senators Robinhood Padilla, Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Tolentino, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Loren Legarda, and Pia Cayetano.

Also present was former senate president Manny Villar. Cavite’s Second District Representative Lani Mercado, the wife of senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. who was not in the photo, joined the other spouses.

The Palace did not disclose further details, including if the other senators were invited for dinner with the First Couple or what was discussed.

The dinner took place a day after former senate president Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri stepped down from his post. He claimed that he was ousted for “not following instructions.” Fifteen senators voted to oust Zubiri and installed Escudero as their new leader.

President Marcos has congratulated Escudero, who openly supported former vice president Leni Robredo in the 2022 elections, for becoming senate president and described him as a dedicated leader.

“I extend my support to the new Senate President, Chiz Escudero. His legislative record and commitment to public service have distinguished him as a dedicated leader,” he wrote on X.

“Senator Chiz steps into this role following the commendable tenure of Senator Migz Zubiri, and I am confident that under his leadership, the Senate will continue to prioritize transformative laws to achieve our shared vision for a Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.