Escudero, Romualdez retains Legislative top post

This Monday, July 28, the 20th Congress has opened, both houses has elected their respective leaders.

In the Senate or the Upper House, Senator Francis Escudero has been re-elected as Senate President. Escudero served as Senate President in the 19th Congress after Senator Migz Zubiri was ousted. Escudero got a Supermajority vote with 19 Senators, while his contender, Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III had five votes making him the leader of the Minority.

Sotto previously served as Senate President from the 17th and 18th Congress. Sotto was voted by Senators Ping Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, and Zubiri.

“I’ve been a good soldier of this august body since 1992 and I’m always honored by any position entrusted to me by my esteemed colleagues. So I pledge to perform the duties and responsibilities of being the Minority Leader,” Sotto said.

In his speech after being re-elected as Senate President, Escudera said “We should not and cannot bow to a mob. We will not be cowed by the shrillest of voices,” “We will stand up for what is right, what is just, and what is consistent with the rule of law and our Constitution,” and he also added “That we disagree does not mean that you are right and I am wrong, or that I am right and you are wrong. After all, nobody has a monopoly of good ideas, intentions, and plans for the country. Nor does anyone have a monopoly of love for our country.” Alluding to the controversies regarding the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Also, SenatorJinggoy Estrada retained his post as Senate President pro tempore and Senator Joel Villanueva will serve as majority leader. Meanwhile, Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan joined the Majority, while their ally Senator Risa Hontiveros stays in the Minority.

In the House of Representatives or the Lower House, the President’s first cousin and Congressman Martin Romualdez was re-elected as House Speaker, as he was voted by 269 House members with 34 abstentions. Romualdez was the Speaker during the 19th Congress.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s son, grandson and nephew, Representatives Paolo and Omar Duterte of Davao City and Harold Duterte of the Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat, Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, an ally of the Dutertes; and Romualdez’s rivals for the speakership, Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco and Bacolod Representative. Albee Benitez are forming an independent block in the Chamber.

Presidential son and Congressman Sandro Marcos was elected as House Majority Floor Leader.

– Gillian Paul Abayon