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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Escudero retains Senate's top post

Escudero retains Senate's top post

Published Jul 28, 2025 11:04 am  |  Updated Jul 28, 2025 01:58 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was officially reelected as Senate President at the opening of the 20th Congress, securing majority support from his fellow senators.
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero officially retained his post as Senate President as the 20th Congress formally opened on Monday, July 28, securing majority support from his colleagues in the Upper Chamber.
(Screenshot from Youtube/Senate of the Philippines)
(Screenshot from Youtube/Senate of the Philippines)
Escudero was reelected by a comfortable margin during the Senate’s first plenary session, held just before President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). A total of 19 senators voted in favor of Escudero’s leadership—more than enough to guarantee his continued hold on the chamber’s top post.
Those who voted for him were
  • Bam Aquino
  • Alan Peter Cayetano
  • Pia Cayetano
  • Ronald Dela Rosa
  • Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito
  • Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
  • Sherwin Gatchalian
  • Rodante Marcoleta
  • Imee Marcos
  • Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan
  • Lito Lapid
  • Robin Padilla
  • Vicente "Tito" Sotto III
  • Joel Villanueva
  • Raffy Tulfo
  • Erwin Tulfo
  • Mark Villar
  • Camille Villar
  • Christopher "Bong" Go
This was against five votes cast in favor of Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. His nomination made by Senator Joel Villanueva seconded by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, and Raffy Tulfo.
"I join his cause, and I believe, Senator Chiz can bring out the very best in the Senate this 20th Congress," Villanueva said.
"Therefore, I nominate the good gentleman from Sorsogon, Sen. Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, as our Senate President," he added.
Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri nominated Sotto for Senate President, seconded by Senator Loren Legarda.
The reelection marks Escudero’s second term as Senate President since assuming the role in May 2024, replacing former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
His retention comes amid heightened political tensions in the lead-up to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, expected to resume under the 20th Congress. Critics previously accused the Senate of delaying the proceedings, but Escudero maintained that the Senate would act "within its rules and responsibilities."
On the other hand, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada,was reelected as Senate President Pro Tempore.
Meanwhile, Villanueva was elected Majority Leader, while Zubiri nominated Sotto as Minority Leader. Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan asked that Sotto be sworn is as the leader of the minority bloc, which he refused. 

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Chiz Escudero Senate of the Philippines 20th Congress Tito Sotto
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