This early, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is unfazed over any possibility of a leadership change in the Upper Chamber saying it is part of the reality. 

Escudero made the remark over reports presumptive Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III expressed readiness to retake his post should he gets the support of the majority when the 20th Congress opens in July. 

“It’s not a question of hoping; it’s a question of reality,” Escudero said during a Kapihan sa Senado forum, when asked if he is keen on keeping his post.

“I think the same statement will apply to almost all the senators. Kahit naman sa akin noon bago ko inisip man lang o pinangarap, hindi ko nga pinangarap na maging senate president (Even then, before thinking or aspiring for it, I didn’t dream to be Senate president),” he said.

“Sino man ang may numero dapat tanggapin niya ‘yong responsibilidad at ‘yonghamon na ‘yon kung nasa kanya ang tiwala ng mas nakararaming senador (whoever has the numbers should accept the responsibility and challenges that would be given to him by the majority of the senators),” Escudero stressed.

Sotto earlier told reporters that he will accept the Senate’s top post if “13 or more colleagues” will join him. 

Sotto was at the helm of the Senate leadership before he ended his term in June 2022. He was succeeded by Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. 

Escudero assumed the role, however, after securing the support of majority of the senators later on. 

Sotto is poised to return to the Senate after securing the 8th place in the May 2025 senatorial race.