MANILA — What was once seen as a solo bid by incumbent Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero for the chamber’s top post has now turned into a multi-cornered race as more names emerge ahead of the opening of the 20th Congress.
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo confirmed on Wednesday, May 22, that aside from Escudero, former Senate President and returning lawmaker Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is also eyeing a return to Senate leadership.
Sotto, who previously served as Senate President from 2018 to 2022, belongs to the same party as Escudero—the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). “They both invited me. They want to sit down with me. I still need time to consult and decide,” Tulfo said.
Joining the growing list of contenders is re-elected Senator Imee Marcos, sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In a statement, Marcos said several colleagues have expressed their support for her to become the first female Senate President. However, she emphasized that whoever takes the helm must prioritize congressional reforms, particularly in the budgeting process.
“Whoever will be elected by our peers, whether it is me or not, there are certain congressional reforms that need to be undertaken. The most important is reform in the budgetary process,” said Marcos.
Also rumored to be in the running is SAGIP Party-list Representative and incoming Senator Rodante Marcoleta, although he has yet to issue a formal statement.
Whether it’s Escudero, Sotto, Marcos, or Marcoleta who ultimately secures the Senate presidency, their leadership will play a crucial role in the remaining three years of President Marcos’ administration.