Senate President Francis Escudero (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)
LEGAZPI CITY – Bicolanos from all walks of life reacted positively to Senator Francis Escudero being the new Senate president effective Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Hamor expressed his pride to see a fellow Sorsoganon hold the third highest position in the country.
"Bilang isang Sorsoganon, labis kung ipinagmamalaki na makita si Senator Chiz na makamit ang kahanga-hangang tagumpay na ito. Ang kanyang pamumuno ay talagang kahanga-hanga, at nais ko siyang mag-tagumpay sa kanyang bagong tungkulin bilang Pangulo ng Senado (As a Sorsoganon, I am very proud to see Senator Chiz achieve this remarkable feat. His leadership is truly impressive, and I wish him success in his new role as Senate president)," Hamor said.
He added that the people of the province share his pride and are celebrating the important development in Sorsogon's political history.
Ako Bicol Party-List and House Committee on Appropriations chair Rep. Elizaldy Co looks forward to collaborating with Escudero to advance legislative measures that will promote sustainable development, social justice, and economic prosperity.
"Sen. Escudero’s rise to the Senate presidency is not only a victory for Bicolanos but rather a victory for all Filipinos seeking an effective, transparent, and responsible government. I'm confident that under his stewardship, the Senate will continue to champion the interests of our people, particularly in these challenging times," Co said in a message to reporters.
He said Escudero is expected to lead the Senate toward meaningful reforms and address the pressing issues facing the nation.
"As a fellow Bicolano, I'm immensely proud to witness Sen. Chiz Escudero's remarkable achievement. His election as Senate president is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and steadfast commitment to serving the Filipino people," Co said.
Albay 3rd District Rep. Fernando Cabredo extended his congratulations to the new Senate President.
"Sen. Chiz Escudero, you are indeed a pride of the Bicol region," he said.
Meanwhile, 44-year-old Geraldine Posadas from Donsol, Sorsogon, said she impressed by the achievement of their former governor.
"Masaya po, super mahal naming ang mga Escudero dahil may puso sila para sa mga tao. Sana gabayan siya lagi ng Panginoon sa mas malaking responsibilidad na kanyang haharapin. (I'm happy. We love the Escuderos because they have a heart for people. I hope the Lord will always guide him in the greater responsibility he will face)," she said.
Escudero served as a senator from 2007 to 2019, as governor of Sorsogon from 2019 to 2022, and representative of the province's 1st district from 1998 to 2007.
He was House minority leader from 2004 to 2007. (PNA)
