Escudero, Romualdez keep top Congress posts

Senator Francis Escudero and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez retained their posts as Senate president and House speaker, respectively, in the 20th Congress, which formally opened on Monday, July 28.

- By DHEL NAZARIO and ELLSON QUISMORIO

Escudero secured the support of 19 colleagues during the Senate's first plenary session, held just before President Marcos' fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). A total of 19 senators voted in favor of Escudero’s leadership—more than enough to guarantee his continued hold on the chamber's top post.

Those who voted for him were

• Sen. Bam Aquino

• Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano

• Sen. Pia Cayetano

• Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa

• Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito

• Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada

• Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian

• Sen. Christopher Go

• Sen. Rodante Marcoleta

• Sen. Imee Marcos

• Sen. Francis Pangilinan

• Sen. Lito Lapid

• Sen. Robin Padilla

• Sen. Vicente Sotto III

• Sen. Erwin Tulfo

• Sen. Raffy Tulfo

• Sen. Joel Villanueva

• Sen. Camille Villar

• Sen. Mark Villar

Escudero was nominated by Senator Joel Villanueva and seconded by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Ronald Dela Rosa, and Raffy Tulfo.

"I join his cause, and I believe Senator Chiz can bring out the very best in the Senate this 20th Congress," Villanueva said. "Therefore, I nominate the good gentleman from Sorsogon, Sen. Francis 'Chiz' G. Escudero, as our Senate president." Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri nominated Sotto, who voted for Escudero, for Senate president and was seconded by Senator Loren Legarda.

Escudero, himself, voted Sotto as minority leader.

The reelection marks Escudero's second term as Senate President since assuming the role in May 2024, replacing Zubiri.