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MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero was re-elected as Senate President on Monday, July 28, during the opening of the 20th Congress, defeating Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Following the vote, Sotto was named the new Minority Leader, while Senator Joel Villanueva was elected as the chairperson of the committee on rules and the chamber’s majority leader.

Joining Sotto in the minority bloc are Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri.

Escudero secured his second term as Senate President with the support of 19 senators, while five senators cast their votes for Sotto, who previously held the post during the Duterte administration.

Prior to the start of the new Congress on June 30, Senator Sotto had openly expressed his readiness to return to the Senate presidency if he garnered sufficient support from his colleagues. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri later disclosed that their group, dubbed the “veterans’ bloc,” desired Sotto to lead the Senate. This bloc initially included Zubiri, Sotto, Senators Panfilo Lacson, and Loren Legarda, with Senator Lito Lapid later joining their ranks.

However, even before the official opening of the new Congress, Senator Joel Villanueva indicated on June 30 that a majority of senators, specifically 13 out of 24, would support Escudero’s continued leadership. This support for Escudero was further confirmed by other senators, including JV Ejercito and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Senator Dela Rosa, during a press briefing on July 9, stated that all seven members of the so-called “Duter7” bloc had committed their support to Escudero’s leadership. This bloc comprises Senators Christopher “Bong” Go, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, and siblings Mark and Camille Villar, all of whom are known allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte.