MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero was elected Senate President on Monday, July 28, during the opening of the 20th Congress, securing 19 votes to defeat Sen. Tito Sotto, who garnered five.
Sen. Joel Villanueva formally nominated Escudero, with endorsements from Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In his first speech after assuming the role, Escudero called for unity and focus on legislating measures to improve Filipino lives.
“Lahat tayo ay nasa iisang bangka lamang, at iisang direksyon lamang ang ating tinatahak: tungo sana sa pagkamit ng mga pangarap, hangarin, mithiin at layunin ng ating mga kababayan,” Escudero said.
(All of us are on the same boat, headed in the same direction — toward the realization of our people’s dreams, aspirations, and goals.)
Power Struggle Ends
The Senate presidency had been under contention since the 2025 midterm elections, with Sotto openly eyeing a return to the post he once held during the Duterte administration.
Sotto has frequently clashed with Escudero’s leadership, particularly criticizing key decisions such as the handling of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Sotto expressed willingness to pursue the case, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the evidence. In contrast, Escudero repeatedly delayed the proceedings, citing caution and procedural concerns. Legal experts and activists criticized the delays, arguing that the Constitution requires the Senate to act on impeachment “forthwith.”
A Supreme Court ruling, which recently declared Duterte’s impeachment “unconstitutional,” appears to have put the issue to rest.
Senate Leadership Line-up
Other key leadership posts were retained. Sen. Jinggoy Estrada was re-elected as Senate President Pro Tempore without opposition. Sen. Joel Villanueva returned as Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and resumed his former role as Senate Majority Leader — a post he held during the 19th Congress until his ouster alongside former Senate President Migz Zubiri in 2024.
Despite past criticism, Escudero continues to enjoy strong backing in the Senate, particularly from known allies of former President Duterte.
Among his supporters are Senators Dela Rosa, Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, and siblings Camille and Mark Villar.
Surprisingly, newly elected midterm senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino also voted for Escudero, defying expectations that they would align with opposition leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros in the minority bloc.
The Senate minority is now composed of Senators Sotto, Ping Lacson, Migz Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Hontiveros.
