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Advocates Philippines
Escudero Reaffirmed As Senate President; Calls For Unity And Results In 20th Congress
Photo credit: Chiz Escudero
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero was reaffirmed as Senate President on Monday, securing 19 votes during the opening of the 20th Congress at the Senate plenary in Pasay City. His reelection marks a continuation of leadership that emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility among the chamber's 24 members.
The Senate’s inaugural session opened with the reelection of several key leaders. Senator Jinggoy Estrada retained his post as Senate President Pro Tempore, while Senator Joel Villanueva was chosen again as Senate Majority Leader and will continue chairing the Committee on Rules.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who made his return to the upper chamber after securing a fresh mandate in the May elections, was elected as Senate Minority Leader. He will lead a five-member bloc that includes Senators Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Risa Hontiveros.
The session also included the formal oath-taking of newly elected senators and the passage of ceremonial resolutions ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
In his address to fellow lawmakers and dignitaries, Escudero stressed the importance of collective leadership, urging senators to work as one body with shared goals.
“This Senate is not mine alone to lead,” he said. “The direction we will take will never be determined by a single hand, much less my hand, but by twenty-four heads—each with a mandate, each with a mind, each with a voice that matters.”
Escudero also called on his colleagues to rise above political divisions, emphasizing the need to focus on legislation rooted in public service and national interest. “Let us carry out this collective duty with humility, integrity, and purpose as we begin this new chapter of the Senate together,” he added, closing with a firm call to action: “Magtrabaho tayo (Let’s work)!”
In a separate statement, Senator Villanueva expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and affirmed his commitment to inclusive and results-driven policymaking under Escudero’s leadership.
“I am sincerely thankful to my colleagues for placing their trust in me to carry out this important responsibility,” he said, pledging to continue the momentum of the previous Congress.
Meanwhile, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who nominated Estrada for the Senate President Pro Tempore role, highlighted Estrada’s leadership and enduring advocacy for marginalized communities. He described his colleague as “a man of conviction” whose experience continues to serve the institution well.
As the 20th Congress begins its work, the leadership team’s message is clear: unity, responsibility, and service will guide the Senate’s legislative agenda.
The Senate’s inaugural session opened with the reelection of several key leaders. Senator Jinggoy Estrada retained his post as Senate President Pro Tempore, while Senator Joel Villanueva was chosen again as Senate Majority Leader and will continue chairing the Committee on Rules.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who made his return to the upper chamber after securing a fresh mandate in the May elections, was elected as Senate Minority Leader. He will lead a five-member bloc that includes Senators Panfilo Lacson, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Risa Hontiveros.
The session also included the formal oath-taking of newly elected senators and the passage of ceremonial resolutions ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
In his address to fellow lawmakers and dignitaries, Escudero stressed the importance of collective leadership, urging senators to work as one body with shared goals.
“This Senate is not mine alone to lead,” he said. “The direction we will take will never be determined by a single hand, much less my hand, but by twenty-four heads—each with a mandate, each with a mind, each with a voice that matters.”
Escudero also called on his colleagues to rise above political divisions, emphasizing the need to focus on legislation rooted in public service and national interest. “Let us carry out this collective duty with humility, integrity, and purpose as we begin this new chapter of the Senate together,” he added, closing with a firm call to action: “Magtrabaho tayo (Let’s work)!”
In a separate statement, Senator Villanueva expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and affirmed his commitment to inclusive and results-driven policymaking under Escudero’s leadership.
“I am sincerely thankful to my colleagues for placing their trust in me to carry out this important responsibility,” he said, pledging to continue the momentum of the previous Congress.
Meanwhile, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who nominated Estrada for the Senate President Pro Tempore role, highlighted Estrada’s leadership and enduring advocacy for marginalized communities. He described his colleague as “a man of conviction” whose experience continues to serve the institution well.
As the 20th Congress begins its work, the leadership team’s message is clear: unity, responsibility, and service will guide the Senate’s legislative agenda.
Jul 28, 2025
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