The Senate on Monday elected Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as its new president, replacing Senator Francis Escudero, who has recently faced controversy over alleged links to a contractor involved with the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Senator Miguel Zubiri, who nominated Sotto, expressed full confidence in his leadership. “With Senator Sotto, the Senate is in good hands,” Zubiri said.
Senator Loren Legarda seconded the nomination, praising Sotto’s leadership qualities. “Senator Tito Sotto commands respect through fairness, humility, and his ability to unite diverse voices. He is a true consensus builder,” she said.
Senator Panpilo Lacson, who ran as president with Sotto as his running mate in 2022, was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore, the second highest position in the legislative chamber.
Senators also elected Zubiri as majority leader and chairman of the Committee on Rules.
Sotto’s election is expected to trigger changes in key Senate committee leaderships, including the influential Blue Ribbon Committee. While no official announcements have been made, a reorganization of chairmanships is widely anticipated as the chamber aligns with its new leadership.
It remains unclear whether Sotto’s rise to the Senate presidency will affect the stalled impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Sotto had previously supported resuming the hearings during his tenure as minority floor leader, though he has yet to comment on his current stance as Senate President.
Sotto, who previously held the Senate’s top post, returns to the role amid renewed calls for institutional stability and independent legislative oversight.
