Escudero removed, Sotto elected new Senate president

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero was removed from his post Monday, Sept. 8, through a motion declaring the position vacant, paving the way for Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to be elected as his successor.

Sen. Migz Zubiri initiated the motion to vacate, which passed without objection.

Escudero, elected Senate president in 2024, presided over debates on charter change, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, and probes into alleged corruption in flood control projects.

Sotto, who previously held the Senate presidency from 2018 to 2022, now returns as the upper chamber's leader.

Escudero faced criticism for delays in Duterte’s impeachment trial but insisted he was upholding Senate rules and the Constitution. His name was also linked to alleged flood control project anomalies after a campaign donor was identified as a top contractor, which he denied having any role in.

“I am proud of what the Senate has accomplished together,” Escudero said, reflecting on his leadership and stressing transparency and accountability.

Sen. Ping Lacson was elected Senate president pro tempore, while Zubiri was chosen as majority leader.