Re-elected Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda on Tuesday, May 12 expressed readiness to buckle down to work as she vowed to work amicably with the newly-elected Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, members of the majority bloc, as well as the minority bloc.

“As Senate President Pro Tempore, I offer my full support to the Senate President, to the Majority and Minority, and to every member of this chamber. Let us communicate openly, combine our collective wisdom, and protect the integrity of this institution,” Legarda said in a formal statement.

Legarda regained the Upper Chamber’s second-highest post on Monday, May 11 after 13 senators voted to replace Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as the Senate leader.

Legarda joined the new Senate majority which is now composed of Cayetano, and former members of the minority bloc. Senators Mark and Camille Villar, and Pia Cayetano also joined the new majority bloc.

Following her reelection, Legarda vowed to implement decisive, disciplined and compassionate Senate leadership.

She previously held the post from July 25, 2022 until May 20, 2024, during the 19th Congress.

“The Senate President Pro Tempore helps ensure that the work of the Senate continues with order, stability, and respect for the institution,” Legarda said.

“We cannot allow delay, complacency, or inaction to stand in the way of meaningful reform. Every bill we debate and pass must deliver real and lasting benefits where public action matters most,” she said, citing that the current economic conditions requires prompt and targeted legislative action, particularly in response to rising costs of food, transport, fuel, and electricity.

The senator also emphasized the need to pass measures that directly address cost pressures and protect vulnerable sectors, including workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and small enterprises.

“Government must act so that relief reaches those who need it, prices are addressed with urgency, and policies protect not only the poorest, but also workers, farmers, fisherfolk, drivers, small businesses, and ordinary families,” she added.

Legarda formerly chaired the Senate committees on finance; higher, technical and vocational education; foreign relations; environment and natural resources; and national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation.

She was also the first female Senate Majority Leader, a role that required managing flood deliberations, building consensus across blocs and steering the Senate’s legislative agenda.