Senator Chiz Escudero was sworn in as the new Senate president on Monday, immediately following Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s resignation during an emotionally charged speech. Zubiri, who served as Senate president for two years, stepped down, triggering a leadership reshuffle in the Senate.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano nominated Escudero for the presidency, and the nomination was unopposed by the 24-member chamber. In his inaugural address, Escudero expressed gratitude towards Zubiri for his leadership and requested his continued guidance. “Hopefully, you will not leave my side when I ask for guidance and your wisdom. Sana magkasama tayo sa mga darating na panahon,” Escudero said.
The leadership changes also saw Senator Jinggoy Estrada becoming the new Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Loren Legarda. Senator Francis Tolentino was sworn in as the new Senate Majority Leader, taking over from Senator Joel Villanueva. Additionally, Senators Nancy Binay, Sonny Angara, and JV Ejercito resigned from their respective committee chairmanships.
Escudero acknowledged the resignations and emphasized his willingness to collaborate with his colleagues, including the outgoing majority leader, Villanueva. “Binabati ko rin ang ating majority leader na sa Sen. Joel Villanueva at ibang pang mga nagbitiw sa kanilang posisyon, hindi ito ang katapusan ng ating pagsama-sama sa pagtatrabaho dito sa Senado,” he stated.
Zubiri’s tenure as Senate president was marked by stability despite rumors of ouster plots, the most recent of which emerged in March. This rumor implicated members of the House of Representatives in the push for leadership changes. In response, 17 senators signed a manifesto supporting Zubiri, with notable abstentions including Escudero and several other key senators.