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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Siblings bloc' supporting Escudero's Senate leadership bid—JV Ejercito

Siblings bloc' supporting Escudero's Senate leadership bid—JV Ejercito

Published Jul 8, 2025 06:35 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate President Francis Escudero was also able to gain the support of the so-called "Duterte bloc," according to the senator.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is able to get the support of the so-called “siblings bloc,” according to Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito.

Ejercito disclosed this during a press conference at the Senate, as he also disclosed that the incumbent Senate chief was also able to gain the support of the so-called “Duterte bloc.” 

Those who belong to the “siblings bloc” are Ejercito, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Senators Pia Cayetano and Alan Peter Cayetano, Senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar, and the Senators Raffy Tulfo and Erwin Tulfo. 

Those who belong to the Duterte bloc are Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, Robinhood “Robin” Padilla and Rodante Marcoleta. 

Asked if he believes Escudero already has the numbers to retain the Senate leadership, Ejercito said yes. 

“I think SP Chiz already has the numbers. But until the first regular session (of the 20th Congress) hasn’t been formalized, there is still a slim possibility (of things happening differently). Anything can happen,” Ejercito said during the Kapihan sa Senado.

Because of this, Ejercito said he can surmise that Escudero already has the support of about 15 to 16 senators. 

He also confirmed that most of the members of the “seatmates bloc” have chosen to support Escudero for the Senate leadership, referring to himself, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Joel Villanueva.

Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri earlier confirmed that they are now forming what they call the “veterans bloc” that are in support of Sen. Vicente Sotto III’s possible minority leader role.

“I do understand, we are now in different positions. We—Senator Joel, Senator Win—are with the Senate President, President Chiz now, whereas si Senator Migz is with Veterans Bloc. Understandable that we now have a different positions at this time,” he said.

“But I’ve discussed it with him and I told him: bro, whatever happens, we will always be friends. We are brothers,” he said. 

Ejercito said he chose to side with Escudero out of “delicadeza, courtesy, and respect” because of the “trust and confidence” he showed him.

“I have to stick it out with him,” Ejercito said. 

Ejercito also confirmed that Escudero once again offered the Deputy Majority Leader seat to him and he accepted.

“Most likely. I’ll be retained as Deputy Majority Leader and it will now become an office just like the majority leader,” the lawmaker said. 

Related Tags

Senate leadership Chiz Escudero Tito Sotto III jv ejercito
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