Escudero to remain as Senate president - Estrada

For Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, there's no doubt that Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero will remain as Senate president in the 20th Congress.

- By DHEL NAZARIO

"Sa aking palagay ay plantsado na, at mananatili pa ring pangulo ng Senado si Senator Escudero at nakalikom na siya ng higit 13 boto ng mga senador para suportahan siya na manatili sa kanyang pwesto (In my view, it’s already settled that Senator Escudero will remain as Senate President, as he has secured the support of more than 13 senators to keep his position)," he said in an interview on Saturday, July 19 at Usapang Senado over DWIZ.

When asked regarding the exact number of senators backing Escudero, Estrada said that it's around 18. This means that only six senators have not manifested their support for Escudero to lead the upper chamber anew starting July 28.

Meanwhile, Senators Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and Panfilo "Ping" Lacson have expressed openness to be in the minority bloc, with Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III leading them.