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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero to retain Senate presidency in 20th Congress—Villanueva

Escudero to retain Senate presidency in 20th Congress—Villanueva

Published Jun 30, 2025 03:43 pm
Senator Joel Villanueva expressed confidence that Senate President Francis Chiz Escudero will retain his position to lead the Upper Chamber in the 20th Congress.
“Kung ngayon ang botohan, alam na natin, I think your information is as good as mine, na si Senate President Chiz Escudero will be retained as our Senate President (If the vote were held today, we already know, I think your information is as good as mine, that Senate President Chiz Escudero will be retained as our Senate President),” Villanueva said in a press conference on Monday, June 30.
“I know for a fact, marami akong nakausap din na senador and just like the majority of the members of the incoming 20th congress, I am also in support of the current Senate President (I know for a fact, I've spoken with many senators, and just like the majority of the members of the incoming 20th Congress, I also support the current Senate President),” he added.
For Villanueva, as someone who's result-oriented, the decision to support Escudero was not difficult, looking at the Senate's accomplishments during his tenure.
He also believes that there are numbers to back Escudero's Senate leadership, though he refused the divulge the exact number but stated that he has spoken to more than 13 senators.
“I am confident because I have talked to at least majority of the senators so I can say that. Of course, every day is another day, hindi ko masabi kung magbabagong isip yung mga nakausap ko (I can’t say for sure if those I spoke with will change their minds),” he added.
Meanwhile, Senator Erwin Tulfo said that he and his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo will also be supporting Escudero.
“I think that's it kasi we're in the majority and sabi nga kanina Senator Villanueva may number na...I guess kasama na ko doon sa 13 na sinasabi niya or more than 13 (I think that’s it, because we’re in the majority — and as Senator Villanueva said earlier, the numbers are there… I guess I’m included in the 13 he mentioned, or maybe even more than 13),” he added.
Escudero earlier said that he will not shirk from the responsibility of the Senate leadership.
“Hindi ko tatalikuran 'yong responsibilidad at pagkakataon na 'yon (I will not turn my back on that responsibility and opportunity),” he added.

Related Tags

Chiz Escudero Erwin Tulfo Raffy Tulfo Joel Villanueva
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