By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
Senator Francis Escudero is the new Senate President effective Monday, replacing Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who had tendered his resignation.
Escudero vowed to serve the interests of Filipinos, regardless of affiliations.
“Nawa’y sa bawat salitang bibigkasin natin dito, nawa’y sa bawat gawain na ating gagawin dito, palagi tayong mapaalalahanan ng mga importanteng bagay na ‘yan ng ating bandila na sumasagisag sa bansa at sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Escudero said.
“Maraming salamat pong muli sa tiwala at nakahanda po akong pagsilbihan kayo sa anumang makakaya natin habang sabay-sabay nating pinagsisilbihan ang bansa at ang sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.
Escudero designated Sen. Jinggoy Estrada as Senate President Pro Tempore; Sen. Francis Tolentino as Committee on Rules chairperson and Majority Floor Leader; and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as chairperson of the Committee on Accounts.
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 leaderships.
In a press conference after the regular session, Escudero emphasized that the fate of any Senate leadership lies on the trust and confidence of the majority of senators.
He will discuss with the new leadership the priority measures that need to be further scrutinized and approved.
“Titingnan muna namin kung ano ‘yung mga nakabinbin dahil dalawang araw na lang tayo. Wala kami puwedeng simulan na matatapos namin bago kami mag-adjourn sa loob ng dalawang araw. So, uunahin namin ‘yung ika nga ni [former] Senate President Zubiri, na-itanim na puwede ng matapos ngayon,” Escudero said.
As for the proposed charter changes, Escudero said he remains against any push to amend the 1987 Constitution.
Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated Escudero, while expressing his “heartfelt appreciation” to Zubiri for his outstanding service and leadership as Senate President.
“Senator Zubiri’s dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to our legislative achievements and the advancement of our nation. His efforts in fostering a spirit of cooperation within the Senate have been invaluable,” Romualdez said in a statement.
The Speaker said he is “optimistic” about the new partnership between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Our nation faces numerous challenges and opportunities, and it is through unity and collaboration that we can effectively address these and work towards a brighter future for all Filipinos. With Senator Escudero’s leadership in the Senate, I am confident that we can further strengthen our legislative agenda,” Romualdez said.
“I look forward to working closely with Senate President Escudero, Senator Zubiri, and all our colleagues in the Senate to build a more prosperous and united Philippines,” he said. (with a report from Jose Cielito Reganit)
