Senate presidency could change any time, says Escudero
MANILA, Philippines — With the Senate set to begin the 20th Congress in July, Senate President Francis Escudero acknowledged that his current position as the chief lawmaker in the Upper Chamber could change at any moment.
The people have spoken in the 2025 midterm elections and 12 candidates are set to become senators, one of them being former Senate President Tito Sotto.
Sotto secured himself in the Magic 12, landing in the eighth position, according to unofficial tallies. The veteran lawmaker told ABS-CBN that if he had the numbers, he would accept it.
Escudero steered an ouster against Sen. Miguel Zubiri when he was still Senate President, succeeding him.
“It’s not a question of hoping, it’s a question of reality. I repeat, the Senate President needs to have the confidence of more than the majority, more than 14,” Escudero said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Escudero said that every senator knew that.
No matter which senator is presented with the opportunity for the Senate presidency, Escudero said that they should not turn their back on it.
The only qualification for the Senate presidency is being a senator, he explained.
The Senate is due for a shakeup following the 2025 midterm elections. The elections were thought to be the deciding battle between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. Armed with their respective slate of senatoriables, neither was able to get a sizable lead over the other.
Six candidates under Marcos’ slate won, while five of Duterte’s picks secured a seat. Discounting Rep. Camille Villar (Las Piñas) and Sen. Imee Marcos (both of whom have sat on the fence between the two camps, with Imee disowning her brother’s side), five of the president’s bets secured a spot in the Magic 12 while Duterte has three picks in the winning circle.
The power dynamics within the Senate are expected to change for the 20th Congress, especially with the looming impeachment trial of the Vice President.
Escudero has maintained that the Senate will be fair as it carries out the controversial trial.
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