The battle for the Senate presidency in the 20th Congress is intensifying as incumbent Senate President Chiz Escudero faces a challenge from former Senate President Tito Sotto.
In his first press conference as a newly-elected senator, Senator Erwin Tulfo confirmed that he and his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, will support Escudero’s bid for re-election as Senate President.
“I think that’s it, kasi we’re in the majority. Sabi nga kanina ni Senator Villanueva, if I’m not mistaken, may number na pati si Senator Alan Peter. A few days ago, may number nasa 13 na? I guess kasama ako sa 13 na sinasabi niya or more than 13,” said Senator Erwin Tulfo.
He added that Senator Raffy Tulfo will remain with the majority bloc, and he will follow suit.
“My brother said, let’s go for the majority kasi maraming mga gusto ang Pangulo na dinadaan sa majority at hindi kumokontra ang majority. So, I guess, we’ll go with the majority.”
However, not all senators are expressing confidence in Escudero’s leadership.
Senator Migz Zubiri—whom Escudero replaced as Senate President after a coup in 2024—has publicly declared his support for Senator Tito Sotto’s comeback bid.
Zubiri cited dissatisfaction with Escudero’s leadership as his reason for shifting allegiance.
Escudero has served as Senate President since 2024.
The Senate and House of Representatives will convene for the opening of the 20th Congress on July 28, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).