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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bato Dela Rosa: 'Duter7' to support Escudero's Senate leadership bid

Bato Dela Rosa: 'Duter7' to support Escudero's Senate leadership bid

Published Jul 9, 2025 02:05 pm

At A Glance

  • The senator said the decision of the group to support Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero's is not based on his stand on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa
Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed on Wednesday, July 9 that the so-called “Duterte bloc” has committed to support Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s bid for the Senate presidency.

“Nakapag-commit na kami. Although I don’t know kung naka pirma na yung iba (sa resolution). Ako naka pirma na ako (We have made a commitment. Although, I don’t know if the others have already signed the resolution. I have signed it),” Dela Rosa said during a press conference at the Senate.

Dela Rosa is referring to a resolution now being rounded for signatures among members of the Senate. The resolution signifies support of the majority of the senators for Escudero’s leadership as the Senate President in the 20th Congress. 

“We call ourselves ‘Duter7’,” the senator said.

Aside from Dela Rosa, the group includes Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Camille Villar and Mark Villar. 

“Kami sa (we in the) Duterte bloc, nag-usap usap kami (We talked) and we are inclined to support Chiz Escudero,” he said.

Asked if Escudero’s stand towards the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte was the reason they chose him, Dela Rosa replied in the negative. 

“His stand towards impeachment is not a factor to our decision in choosing him as Senate president,” he said. 

“Ang pinaka big factor dyan talaga is yung pagka-open niya. Nakikinig siya ..Lahat ng sides, pinapakinggan niya, yun nagustuhan namin ng liderato (The biggest factor here is his openness…he listens to all sides. That’s what we like about his leadership),” the lawmaker added. 

“That’s what we need in a democratic institution,” he pointed out. 

“Wala naman kaming nakitang (dahilan) hindi siya dapat suportahan (We see no reason not to support him). So we support him,” he said. 

On Tuesday, July 8 Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said Escudero already has the support of about 15 to 16 senators. 

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 role as Senate minority leader.

Related Tags

Bato Dela Rosa Senate leadership Chiz Escudero Duterte bloc
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