Photo credit: Senate PH

The Senate moved swiftly on Tuesday, July 29, to cement its leadership structure for the 20th Congress. Just a day after formally opening its first regular session, the chamber—under the helm of newly reinstalled Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero—confirmed the assignment of committee chairpersons, marking a crucial step in shaping the legislative agenda.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has been named Senate President Pro Tempore and will also head the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation.

Senator Bam Aquino will lead the Committee on Basic Education, while Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is set to chair several influential panels, including the Committees on Accounts, Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Justice and Human Rights, and Science and Technology.

Senator Pia Cayetano will take charge of the Committees on Energy, Sustainable Development Goals Innovation and Futures Thinking, and Ways and Means—key areas as the country navigates pressing economic and environmental challenges.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa returns as chair of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, continuing his oversight of matters concerning law enforcement and internal security.

Senator JV Ejercito will oversee the Committees on Local Government and Tourism, while Senator Win Gatchalian has been entrusted with the powerful Committee on Finance, a post crucial for national budget deliberations.

Senator Bong Go retains his roles leading the Committees on Health and Demography, Sports, and Youth, areas he has consistently prioritized.

Newly elected Senator Rodante Marcoleta will head the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, as well as the influential Blue Ribbon Committee, officially known as the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigation.

Senator Imee Marcos takes on the Committees on Cooperatives, Foreign Relations, and Labor, Employment, and Human Resources, continuing her work on both domestic and international policy fronts.

Senator Robin Padilla remains chair of the Committees on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, and Public Information and Mass Media.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan will lead the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, a position aligned with his longstanding advocacy for farmers and food security.

Senator Erwin Tulfo takes charge of the Committees on Games and Amusement and Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, while his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, will lead the Committees on Migrant Workers and Public Services.

Senator Camille Villar has been appointed to head the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and Climate Change, while Senator Mark Villar will steer the Committee on Public Works.

The early organization of these committees signals the Senate’s intent to work efficiently on legislative priorities, with members now formally positioned to lead policy discussions and investigations in their respective areas of expertise.