From Escudero to Sotto: Senate Leadership Overhaul as Corruption Scandal Unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has reclaimed the Senate presidency after being elected by his colleagues on Monday, replacing Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. The leadership shake-up comes as the chamber investigates corruption tied to controversial flood control projects.

The motion to declare the Senate presidency vacant was initiated by Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and approved by Escudero himself. Zubiri nominated Sotto, with Senator Loren Legarda seconding. With no objections from the 24-member Senate, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada affirmed the motion.

“With Senator Sotto as Senate President, the Senate is in good hands,” Zubiri said during the session.

Escudero, who assumed the Senate presidency only in May 2025 after replacing Zubiri, accepted the decision gracefully, saying he bore no ill will and would continue to support Sotto.

Meanwhile, Zubiri also nominated Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as the new Senate President Pro Tempore, succeeding Estrada. The nomination was backed by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Legarda.

“We need in the Senate leadership a man of courage, integrity, and loyalty — embodied best by no other than Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson,” Zubiri said, citing Lacson’s decades-long career in law enforcement and legislation. Legarda lauded Lacson’s incorruptible reputation, stressing his creed: “Fight for what is right, fight against what is wrong.”

Zubiri also returned as Majority Leader, replacing Senator Joel Villanueva.

In his acceptance speech, Sotto pledged to maintain an independent, transparent, and accountable Senate. “I did not become your superior; I am simply the presider of your session. I am primus inter pares — first among equals,” he said.

He also acknowledged growing public anger over government corruption. “Our people are enraged at the corruption — corruption that is now seen, heard, and felt by Filipinos more than ever,” Sotto warned, citing failed flood control projects, dilapidated classrooms, and poor farm-to-market roads as results of systemic graft.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa questioned the sudden leadership change, noting that the Senate probe revealed corruption in “ghost” flood control projects originated in the House of Representatives, not the Senate.

The leadership reshuffle marks Sotto’s second term as Senate President, having first held the post from 2018 to 2022.