Barring any last-minute changes, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero appears to be on track for re-election as Senate President when the 20th Congress resumes on Monday, July 28.
According to multiple sources, Escudero holds a significant edge in pledged support compared to his closest rival, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who previously served as Senate President for four years.
Sources revealed an unofficial tally of senators who have reportedly pledged their support for either Escudero or Sotto:
– For Senate President Chiz Escudero:
- Senator Bam Aquino
- Senator Kiko Pangilinan
- Senator Jinggoy Estrada
- Senator JV Ejercito
- Senator Raffy Tulfo
- Senator Erwin Tulfo
- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
- Senator Pia Cayetano
- Senator Joel Villanueva
- Senator Bong Go
- Senator Imee Marcos
- Senator Rodante Marcoleta
- Senator Robinhood Padilla
- Senator Mark Villar
- Senator Camille Villar
- Senator Bato dela Rosa
– For Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III:
- Senator Panfilo Lacson
- Senator Migz Zubiri
- Senator Loren Legarda
- Senator Lito Lapid
Senators Risa Hontiveros and Win Gatchalian, who is a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) along with Sotto and Escudero, have yet to declare their vote.
Hontiveros has indicated a possible alignment with the so-called “veterans bloc”—Sotto, Lacson, Zubiri, Legarda, and Lapid—which is expected to form the minority should Escudero secure the Senate presidency.
“Posible akong umanib sa veterans bloc,” Hontiveros said, signaling her intent to side with the more seasoned legislators if the chamber’s leadership changes.
Escudero’s re-election would mark a consolidation of support from both administration-aligned and independent senators, reinforcing his influence over the upper chamber heading into the second half of President Marcos Jr.’s term.