Time for Senate to steady the ship

The Philippine Senate, long regarded as the bastion of deliberative governance and principled leadership, now finds itself at another crucial moment.

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The recent leadership change—Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s departure on Sept. 8, 2025, amid controversy surrounding a flood control project, and the return of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as Senate president—adds to a long history of political realignments in the Upper Chamber.

From the abrupt shift in 1992 that saw Jovito Salonga unseated and Neptali Gonzalez rise, only to be replaced a year later when Edgardo Angara was installed as the chamber’s new leader; to the transitions involving Franklin Drilon, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile, and others—these leadership changes reflect not only the dynamic nature of politics but also a recurring pattern that invites a wider reflection.