Senator Chiz Escudero Elected as New Senate President and Alan Cayetano Heads Committee on Accounts

by: Edjun Mariposque ****

May 20, 2024

2–3 minutes

A reshuffle within the Philippine Senate, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has been elected as the new Senate President. This change follows the unexpected resignation of Senator Migz Zubiri, who stepped down during his privilege speech earlier today. Alongside this shift, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has been appointed to lead the Committee on Accounts.

Senator Cayetano took the initiative to nominate Escudero for the vacant Senate Presidency. “With all humility but with pride, I nominate someone I respect, admire, and look forward to being our leader and being able to contribute and do my part under his leadership. I respectfully and humbly nominate Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero as Senate President,” Cayetano stated during the session.

Cayetano emphasized the qualities that make Escudero a fitting leader. “We have a very passionate leader and a very prepared leader kung magkakaisa tayo, at sana po ay magkaisa tayo,” he added, urging unity among the senators.

Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with both Escudero and Zubiri, Cayetano reminisced, “In 1998, with pride as the youngest member of the 11th Congress, I walked into the Batasang Pambansa at a historic moment. That’s where I met Miguel Zubiri and where I met Chiz Escudero.”

In his address, Cayetano extended heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Senate President. “On behalf of everyone, Senate President Zubiri, maraming maraming salamat po! We all have gratitude in our heart for the service that you have given. We can all give him a hand!” This gesture was met with applause from the senators present.

The leadership transition did not stop with the Senate Presidency. Senator Joel Villanueva also resigned from his role as Majority Leader, and Senator Loren Legarda stepped down as Senate President Pro-Tempore. These resignations prompted further realignments within the Senate’s hierarchy.

Following these changes, Senator Francis Tolentino was appointed as the new Majority Leader, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada assumed the role of Senate President Pro-Tempore. Additionally, Senator Grace Poe was chosen to chair the Committee on Finance, filling the vacancy left by Senator Sonny Angara.

Senator Nancy Binay’s resignation from the Committee on Accounts created another key vacancy. This position has now been filled by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who will oversee the committee’s critical financial responsibilities.

The reshuffle marks a new chapter in the Senate, with Senator Escudero at the helm. His leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of direction to the legislative body. The collective hope among the senators is for a more unified and effective Senate under Escudero’s guidance.

#Edjun Mariposque

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