Some members of the Senate of the 20th Congress have managed to keep their reputations intact and to continue enjoying the respect and esteem of their countrymen.
Throughout history, the upper chamber of this country’s legislature has been regarded with esteem and admiration by the Filipino people and has been characterized as an august body.
That status has been entirely deserved, considering that during most of its existence, the Senate of the Philippines has been composed mostly of men and women of good repute, high achievement and love of country. In the distant past, the august halls of the Senate experienced the presence of individuals like Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmena, Quintin Paredes, Manuel Roxas, Jose Laurel and Juan Sumulong. In more recent times, the title of Senator of the Republic was bestowed on the likes of Jovito Salonga, Lorenzo Tañada, Benigno Aquino Jr., Rene Saguisay, Jose Diokno and Gil Puyat.
The Senate of past times no longer exists. The upper chamber of the Congress of the Philippines has ceased to be referred to as an august body. The decline in public standing has been in progress for some time, but the pace of the decline has accelerated with the uncovering of the flood-control projects scandal.
The rot in the Senate’s status set in with the election as Senators of individuals whose sole claim to fame was popularity or dynastic ties, not intellect or professional attainment. The patently partisan positions taken by senators or certain issues of national significance hastened the rotting process. For most Filipinos, the revelation of some senators’ involvement in the flood-control projects scandal was the last straw.
Today, the Senate as a whole is not a respected institution. For one reason or another—apparent lack of integrity or incompetence or laziness—many senators no longer enjoy the trust and respect of the Filipino people.
Through all the troubles and challenges of their chamber, some members of the Senate of the 20th Congress have managed to keep their reputations intact and to continue enjoying the respect and esteem of their countrymen. On the basis of available indicators – social media, surveys, press commentaries and conversations – those Senators appear to be the following.
Panfilo Lacson is one of the most respected members of the Senate. His good reputation, as former Philippine National Police chief and as a senator, has preceded him.
Riza Hontiveros has from Day One of her term been a timeless and fearless advocate for causes of national significance. She has been the No. 1 Senate champion of Filipino women and children. Sen. Riza can always be counted upon to demand transparency and accountability.
Kiko Pangilinan has given this country’s electorate no reason to distrust him. Which is why, against all odds, he won re-election in last year’s election.
The late Senator Ninoy’s namesake, Bam Aquino, was a hardworking and honest Senators in the 18th Congress. The electorate remembered that in last year’s election and gave him a fresh term.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III continues to be regarded positively by the electorate. They remembered his good record in his previous Senate service and did not hesitate to re-elect him in 2025.
Most Filipinos appear to believe that Sherwin Gatchalian has been an honest and industrious senator. They have observed approvingly the performances of his committees and appear pleased with his work as a member of the bicameral committee for the 2026 General Appropriators Act (GAA).
J.V. Ejercito appears to continue to enjoy the trust and respect of most Filipinos, “The Good One” has succeeded in projecting himself as a conscientious and hard-working senator.
The Tulfo brothers, Raffy and Erwin, likewise appear to enjoy the trust and respect of most Filipinos. Undoubtedly, this is largely attributable to their popular public-service programs on television and radio. Erwin’s participation in the 2026 GAA bicam has been regarded favorably by most Filipino.
These are the senators who, in these troubled times, appear to enjoy the trust and respect of most Filipinos. No inference should be drawn as to the rest of the present Senate’s membership.
(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
