Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero may eventually align themselves with the Senate minority bloc as political dynamics within the chamber continue to evolve, according to political analyst Julio Teehankee.
Speaking in a television interview, Teehankee said ongoing tensions within the Senate, coupled with legal and political challenges confronting several lawmakers, could prompt some members of the majority coalition to reconsider their affiliations.
“Among all the majority, there are one or two who might not be burdened by this possibility. In fact, I see even four who might possibly consider (moving from) majority to minority,” the political science professor said.
Teehankee pointed to Legarda as one of the senators who could potentially find common ground with the minority bloc despite supporting Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s successful bid for the Senate presidency. According to the analyst, Legarda has longstanding political and personal ties with several senators currently identified with the minority, making her a natural ally of the group.
“Sabi nga ni Senator Migz… the current minority is actually the natural political ally of Senator Loren, (As Senator Migz said… the current minority is actually the natural political ally of Senator Loren,)” Teehankee said, referring to Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.
He noted that Legarda and Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III have worked together for decades under the banner of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, a relationship that could influence future political realignments within the chamber.
“Although party affiliations do nothing here, but at least they have been together for decades under the same party label,” he added.
Teehankee also identified Escudero as a possible swing figure in the Senate, citing the former Senate president’s reputation for political pragmatism and strategic decision-making. The analyst noted that Escudero was absent during the contentious plenary debates on May 26 regarding a proposal to allow remote participation and online voting in Senate proceedings, an issue that exposed divisions among lawmakers.
“Given his very real pragmatic and practical and even opportunistic play of politics, he is also ripe for moving,” Teehankee said.
The comments come amid continued speculation over shifting alliances in the Senate following recent leadership changes and a series of political controversies that have deepened divisions within the institution.
While no senator has publicly indicated plans to switch blocs, observers continue to monitor developments that could reshape the balance of power in the upper chamber in the months ahead.