Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed differing views on the upcoming Senate leadership battle ahead of the 20th Congress’ opening on July 28.
Estrada claimed Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has secured at least 13 votes to retain the Senate presidency, with key committee posts already distributed among majority bloc allies.
He named Senators Joel Villanueva, Mark Villar, and Erwin Tulfo as likely committee chairs, and said former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan may lead education and agriculture panels, respectively.
Meanwhile, Zubiri, part of the so-called “veterans” bloc supporting Vicente Sotto III for Senate president, criticized Escudero’s leadership style and said his group may end up forming the minority.
Zubiri also hinted at a possible third force emerging, while Estrada asserted that the Duterte bloc backs Escudero’s leadership bid.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 8, 2025
