Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero was ousted as Senate President on Monday with Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III again taking over the position, which he previously held from 2018 to 2022.
Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri moved to declare the position vacant, which Escudero approved.
“I will do everything in my capacity to ensure that this Senate will remain cooperative but independent, balanced, transparent and sincere,” said Sotto, who was unopposed.
Zubiri—who nominated Sotto whom he said was a “leader of great integrity”—was named Senate Majority Leader, replacing Senator Joel Villanueva.
Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson was elected as the new Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
Escudero, for his part, said he is proud of what the Senate has accomplished under his helm.
“I hold no grudges. I hold no ill feelings,” he said.
Sotto said the so-called “Duterte bloc” in the Senate were not part of the discussions leading to Escudero’s removal.
Senator Imee Marcos confirmed that she, along with senators Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, and Robin Padilla, were left in the dark on the leadership change.
Sotto, however, said they are free to join the majority bloc, adding that the leadership of the minority bloc is still up in the air at this point.
“It’s up to them to decide. Those who will not join the majority will get to decide who will be their minority leader,” he added.
The change in the Senate leadership came after Escudero was linked to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. that was identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as one of the top 15 contractors of flood-control projects across the country.
Lubiano admitted donating P30 million to Escudero’s senatorial bid in 2022 during a hearing at the House of Representatives but said it came from his own pocket and not from his construction firm.
Escudero confirmed Lubiano was one of his campaign contributors but denied intervening in the latter’s business with the government.
As this developed, Malacañang said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was “shocked” by the leadership change in the Senate but will respect the senators’ decision.
“The President cannot meddle in the Senate’s decision on who should lead them. That is their choice,” Castro said in a statement. “
“There have been many leadership changes in the past, and there was no problem. The members accepted whatever decision was made,” she added.
For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed Sotto’s election as Senate President, saying the House of Representatives looks forward to working closely with the upper chamber under the new leadership.
“I congratulate Senate President Tito Sotto on once again being entrusted by his peers to lead the Senate. His long years of service, his experience, and his steady leadership will surely guide the Upper Chamber in these challenging times,” Romualdez said.
“The House of Representatives is eager to work side by side with him and our colleagues in the Senate. Now, more than ever, we need the Senate and the House united in bringing relief to our people,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.
