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Senate opens First Regular Session of 20th Congress

Published Jul 28, 2025 10:36 am

At A Glance

  • The Senate on Monday morning, July 28, formally opened the first regular session of the 20th Congress, hours before President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).


The Senate on Monday morning, July 28,  formally opened the first regular session of the 20th Congress, hours before President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero pounded the gavel at around 10 a.m., with 23 other senators present. 

After Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV led the opening prayer, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution proclaiming the 12 winning senatorial candidates for the 2025 midterm elections was read.

Thereafter, Senators Aquino, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Erwin Tulfo, Francis Pangilinan, Rodante Marcoleta, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Camille Villar, Manuel “Lito” Lapid, and Imee Marcos took their oath of office.

No red carpet welcome was rolled out this time as the Senate took into consideration the massive flooding that affected the country brought about by back-to-back typhoons.

After electing the Senate President, the senators will join their counterparts at the House of Representatives for a joint session at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City to hear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Neophyte Sen. Camille Villar is the youngest senator, while Sotto is the most senior senator in the 20th Congress.

Related Tags

SENATE 20th Congress Senate Presidency SONA
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