Jinggoy confirms reso seeking retention of Chiz as Senate president

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is expected to continue leading the upper chamber in the 20th Congress as at least 13 senators have already signified their support for him, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Monday. 

Estrada confirmed that there is a circulating resolution among senators to express support for Escudero as senate president. Of the 24 senators, he said 13 have already signed the resolution, calling it a “super majority.”

“We have enough numbers—more than 13, I suppose. And I think Senate President Chiz Escudero is already secured of having his next term as Senate President,” Estrada told reporters in a phone interview. 

The 20th Congress will begin its first regular session on July 28, shortly ahead of the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 

Estrada acknowledged that anything can still happen until the 20th Congress begins, but he raised hope that the senators who already signed the resolution won’t change their minds. 

Asked if he’s the one behind the circulation of the document, he said, “Hindi naman, tulung tulong na ‘yan (Not necessarily, everyone pitched in).” 

Estrada also expressed hope that he will be retained as Senate President Pro Tempore, but explained that it’s up to his colleagues to decide on the matter. 

He also floated the possibility that Senator Joel Villanueva will be elected again as Senate majority leader. 

Committee chairmanships

Estrada also said that newly elected senators are poised to lead big committees in the Senate. 

“Si Senator Erwin Tulfo, galing siya sa DSWD. Siguro nararapat lang na ibigay natin sa kanya ‘yung committee on social services,” he said. 

(Senator Erwin Tulfo previously led the DSWD. Maybe we should give him the committee on social services.) 

“Ganon din si Senator Bam Aquino, ang kanyang advocacy, education. Siguro nararapat dapat natin ibigay ‘yung committee on basic education sa kanya. Ganon din si Senator Kiko Pangilinan, ang forte niya agriculture. Siguro [siya] hahawak ng committee on agriculture,” he added. 

(Same goes for Senator Bam Aquino who has an advocacy on education. Maybe we should give him the committee on basic education. Same with Senator Kiko Pangilinan who has a forte in agriculture. Maybe he should lead the committee on agriculture.) 

He said first time Senator Rodante Marcoleta may also be the next chairman of the Senate committee on accountability of public officers and investigations, commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee. 

Estrada further hinted that Senator Sherwin Gatchalian may next lead the Senate committee on finance, while Senator Mark Villar may chair the Senate committee on public works. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News