Chiz retains SP post; Bam, Kiko join majority

Riding on the "supermajority" he had consolidated in recent weeks, Sen. Francis Escudero has retained his post as Senate president, clinching a 19-5 vote as the 20th Congress opened yesterday.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

Nominated by Sen. Joel Villanueva, Escudero retained the chamber's top post despite criticism from detractors that he secured support by allegedly stalling the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Among the senators who voted for Escudero were those from the Duterte bloc: Senators Ronald dela Rosa, who seconded his nomination; Bong Go, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos and siblings Mark and Camille Villar.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Villanueva, who helped Escudero whip up votes for their much-touted supermajority, were elected Senate president pro tempore and majority leader, respectively.

Joining the supermajority are Senators JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid and siblings Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano and Raffy and Erwin Tulfo.

Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan also confirmed their rumored alliance with the Escudero-led majority.

In a speech following Escudero's oath as Senate President, Pangilinan admitted that he was not a political ally of the administration but stressed that alliances do not matter for as long as the chamber is able to contribute to efforts at ensuring food security.