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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate Impeachment Court unites, applauds Alex Eala's WTA victory

Senate Impeachment Court unites, applauds Alex Eala's WTA victory

Published Aug 4, 2026 12:03 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate Impeachment Court presiding officer Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero congratulated Eala in behalf of all senator-judges, as well as the prosecution and defense panels.
The Senate Impeachment Court, a usually divided body, has united to congratulate tennis star Alex Eala after she victoriously became the first Filipino player to win a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 500 singles title.
Senate Impeachment Court presiding officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero congratulated Eala in behalf of all senator-judges, as well as the prosecution and defense panels.
“Even though our views may differ and although both sides are opposing each other in the impeachment court, there are things we should all agree on and unite behind—especially for those who stayed up late last night watching TV,” Escudero said at the start of Day 12 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial. 
“For me, one of those is the victory and championship of our talented and courageous fellow Filipino, Alex Eala, at the DC Open,” he said.
Some senators have also filed separate resolutions commending Eala for winning the 2026 Mubadala DC Open Women’s Singles Championship. 
Sen. Joel Villanueva, in filing Senate Resolution No. 554, said Eala marked a milestone never before achieved by any Filipino tennis player in the Open Era and firmly establishing her place in Philippine sporting history.
“Eala’s historic achievement further enhances the Philippines’ standing in the itnernaitonal sporting community and serves as a lasting testament to the excellence, resilience, discipline and world-class potential of the Filipino athlete, while inspiring future generations to pursue greatness in sports and in service of the nation,” Villanueva said in the resolution.
“It is fitting and proper that the Senate of the Philippines recognize and commend Eala whose outstanding achievements have brought honor and distinction to the country and have strengthened national pride through excellence in the field of tennis,” he said.
Sen. Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV, in filing Senate Resolution No. 560 also honored Eala for clinching her first WTA Tour-level singles title at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open.
“Throughout her championship run, Alex Eala defeated an Olympic gold medalist, a Grand Slam champion, and several of the world’s highest-ranked players, underscoring the extraordinary level of competition she overcame to capture the title,” Aquino said in the resolution. 
He also emphasized that Eala’s victory underscored the need for the Philippines to increase investments in sports development so more Filipino athletes would be given greater opportunities to excel not only locally but also on the international stage.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito echoed Aquino’s belief saying Eala’s breakthrough highlights the importance of sustained investments in sports development and athlete training.
“The succes of Alex Eala shows what Filipino talent can achieve when it is nurtured and supported. Her victory should inspire us to improve our sports development programs, and expand opportunities for young Filipino athletes to train, compete and excel on the world stage,” Ejercito said.
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan also called for more government support for FIlipino athletes following Eala’s victory. Pangilinan said the government must start bidding to host youth-centered international sports events to give young athletes exposure to elite global sporting standards.
“Love may mean nothing to a tennis player. We, her kababayans, draw everything from her matches: anticipation, excitement, patriotic ride and peat (sleepless nights) that’s worth every minute of it,” Pangilinan said.

Related Tags

KIKO PANGILINAN Senate Impeachment Court Alex Eala JV Ejercito Bam Aquino Chiz Escudero
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