Escudero and Romualdez keep post as Senate President and Speaker

SENATOR Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez have both been reelected by their chambers as Senate President and Speaker of the House, respectively, during the opening of the first regular session of the 20" Congress on Monday.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio and Adrian H. Halili Reporters

During a Senate plenary session, a supermajority of 19 out of 24 Senators voted in favor of Mr. Escudero to be the Senate President, marking his second term as the Senate’s top official. He first assumed the post in May last year, following the resignation of his predecessor Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.

In his speech before the Senate floor, Mr. Escudero said that the Senate must prioritize legislation that will lower the cost of goods, create more jobs, reform the education and healthcare systems, mitigate climate change, and strengthen national defense.

“The Filipino people look to the Senate to come up with solutions that will improve their lives, address their needs, and bring their aspirations within reach,” he added.

Mr. Escudero said that the legislative body must not “bow to a mob” amid criticism on the Senate’s delay of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment proceedings.

“We should not and cannot bow to a mob. We will not be cowed by the shrillest of voices. We will stand up for what is right, what is just, and what is consistent with the Rule of Law and our Constitution,” he added.

Last week, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the impeachment of Ms. Duterte was unconstitutional for violating the one-year ban on the filing of more than one complaint against an impeachable official and the right to due process. Any subsequent impeachment complaint against her may only be filed by Feb. 6, next year.