NEW LEADER. New Senate President Francis Escudero (center) is congratulated by Senator Mark Villar who administered his oath during the plenary session on Monday (May 20, 2024). To Escudero's right is his wife, actress Heart Evangelista. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed his support to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, named Senate President replacing Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.
In a statement posted on social media, Marcos acknowledged Escudero’s track record and experience in the legislative.
With Escudero at the helm, the President said he was confident that the Senate would continue prioritizing measures supporting the administration’s trust for positive transformation.
“I extend my support to the new Senate President, Chiz Escudero. His legislative record and commitment to public service have distinguished him as a dedicated leader,” Marcos said.
“Senator Chiz steps into this role following the commendable tenure of Senator Migz Zubiri, and I am confident that under his leadership, the Senate will continue to prioritize transformative laws to achieve our shared vision for a Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
Escudero was elected Senate President after Zubiri tendered his resignation as leader of the upper chamber during Monday’s regular session.
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 chairmanship.
Escudero named 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.
In a press conference after the session, Escudero emphasized that the fate of any Senate leadership lies on the trust and confidence of the majority of senators. (PNA)
