Senate Leadership Faces Uncertainty Ahead
As the new 12 senators, including former Senate President Tito Sotto, prepare to take office, speculation grows around whether Senator Francis Escudero will retain his position as Senate leader when the 20th Congress begins in July. The question of leadership is a hot topic among political circles, especially since the balance of power could shift with the incoming members.
In a recent interview, Senator Escudero confirmed that he will remain the Senate leader until the new Congress convenes, unless a majority of his fellow senators—meaning at least 13—choose a different leader. He explained during a Senate forum, “Sa dulo, ang magpapasya ng Senate president kung manantili man ako o iba ang uupo ay ‘yung mayorya ng Senado.”
According to Senate rules, the current president continues in office unless a majority votes otherwise once the Senate resumes. Escudero emphasized this point, adding that any change in leadership will depend on the will of the senators when the new Congress starts.
Potential Candidates for Senate Leader
Former Senate President Tito Sotto has expressed his openness to leading the Senate again if his colleagues choose him. Both Escudero and Sotto belong to the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC), but Escudero pointed out that leadership is not limited to them. He said, “Sino man ang may numero dapat tanggapin niya ‘yong responsibilidad at ‘yong hamon na ‘yon kung nasa kaniya ang tiwala ng mas nakararaming senador.”
This means any senator who can secure the support of at least 13 members could become the Senate leader. The decision ultimately rests with the majority, highlighting the importance of alliances and negotiations in the Senate.
Focus on Legislative Work Before Leadership Change
For now, Escudero prefers to concentrate on pending legislation rather than getting caught up in leadership disputes. He urged colleagues and observers to allow the current Congress to finish its work, saying, “Katatapos lang ng eleksyon at bangayan at ingay sisimulan ninyo na naman agad. Palipasin ninyo naman tapusin muna natin itong kongresong ito may dalawa pa kaming linggo na marami pa kaming inaasahang mapapasa at maihahabol na mga panukalang batas.”
Escudero became Senate President in May 2024, succeeding Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Meanwhile, Tito Sotto served as Senate President from 2018 until 2022 when his term ended.
As the 20th Congress approaches, the question of Senate leadership remains open, hinging on the preferences of the majority of senators. Meanwhile, the focus remains on passing important bills before the transition.
For more updates on Senate leadership, visit Filipinokami.com.