Escudero is new Senate President

MANILA – Senator Francis Escudero is the new Senate President effective Monday, replacing Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who tendered his resignation.

Escudero vowed to serve the interests of Filipinos, regardless of affiliations.

"Nawa'y sa bawat salitang bibigkasin natin dito, nawa'y sa bawat gawain na ating gagawin dito, palagi tayong mapaalalahanan ng mga importanteng bagay na ‘yan ng ating bandila na sumasagisag sa bansa at sa sambayanang Pilipino (May every word we speak here, may every work we do here, we will always be reminded of those important things by our flag that symbolizes the country and the Filipino people)," Escudero said.

"Maraming salamat pong muli sa tiwala at nakahanda po akong pagsilbihan kayo sa anumang makakaya natin habang sabay-sabay nating pinagsisilbihan ang bansa at ang sambayanang Pilipino (Thank you very much again for the trust and I am ready to serve you in whatever way I can as we serve the country and the Filipino people together)," he added.

Escudero designated Senator Jinggoy Estrada as Senate President Pro Tempore; Senator Francis Tolentino as Committee on Rules chairperson and Majority Floor Leader; and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as chairperson of the Committee on Accounts.

Senators Loren Legarda (Senate President Pro Tempore), Joel Villanueva (Majority Leader) and Senators Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara and JV Ejercito likewise gave up their positions and committee chairmanships.

In a press conference after the regular session, Escudero emphasized that the fate of any Senate leadership lies on the trust and confidence of the majority of senators.

He will discuss with the new leadership the priority measures that need to be further scrutinized and approved.

"Titingnan muna namin kung ano ‘yung mga nakabinbin dahil dalawang araw na lang tayo. Wala kami pwedeng simulan na matatapos namin bago kami mag-adjourn sa loob ng dalawang araw. So, uunahin namin ‘yung ika nga ni Senate President Zubiri, na-itanim na pwede ng matapos ngayon (We will first look at what is pending because we only have two days left. There is nothing we will start that we can finish before we adjourn in two days. So, we will prioritize what [former] Senate President Zubiri said have been planted and can be finished now')," Escudero said.

As for the proposed charter changes, Escudero said he remains against any push to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated Escudero, while expressing his “heartfelt appreciation” to Zubiri for his outstanding service and leadership as Senate President.

“Senator Zubiri's dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to our legislative achievements and the advancement of our nation. His efforts in fostering a spirit of cooperation within the Senate have been invaluable,” Romualdez said in a statement.

The Speaker said he is “optimistic” about the new partnership between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Our nation faces numerous challenges and opportunities, and it is through unity and collaboration that we can effectively address these and work towards a brighter future for all Filipinos. With Senator Escudero's leadership in the Senate, I am confident that we can further strengthen our legislative agenda,” Romualdez said.

“I look forward to working closely with Senate President Escudero, Senator Zubiri, and all our colleagues in the Senate to build a more prosperous and united Philippines,” he said. (with a report from Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)