Ex-House SecGen named new Senate secretary

Former House Secretary General Mark Llandro “Dong” Mendoza has been named the new Senate secretary, marking the first time a public official has served as secretary of both chambers of Congress.

During the Senate plenary session on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri moved for Mendoza’s election as secretary of the upper chamber. The motion was approved via viva voce, with no objection.

“I nominate Mark Llandro Mendoza as the new secretary of the Senate,” Zubiri said.

Mendoza’s appointment is historic, as he is the first former House secretary-general to go on to serve as Senate secretary.

A former Batangas representative, Mendoza served as secretary-general of the House of Representatives from 2020 to 2022. He later worked as presidential adviser on legislative affairs from 2022 to 2025.

As Senate secretary, Mendoza will oversee the chamber’s administrative and legislative operations, including employee welfare.

He replaces former Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, who recently retired from government service.

Meanwhile, the Senate also reappointed retired Major General Edgardo Rene Samonte as Senate sergeant-at-arms (SAA).

Samonte previously served as SAA during the 18th Congress. Before his designation, he was an officer of the Philippine Air Force.—MCG, GMA Integrated News