Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero took his oath on Monday as the new Senate President of the Philippines, preceding Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri who resigned from his position.
Right after his oath, Escudero thanked Zubiri for his unwavering service to the country and institutions.
"My hats off to you, Senate President Zubiri. I salute you and I hope I will make you proud., especially among all our other colleagues, and hopefully, you will not leave my side whenever I ask for guidance, whenever I ask for help, and whenever I ask for your wisdom," Escudero said.
"Mas malayo po at mas marami kayong alam sa akin lalo na bilang taga-pangulo ng Senado. Sana magkasama pa rin tayo sa mga bagay na 'yan sa mga darating na panahon," he added.
Despite the change of leadership, Escudero said there will be no division among the senators as they are all in one Senate.
"Walang my team, walang your team para sa akin. Walang SP Migz, wala ring Chiz para sa akin. Ang tingin ko sa bawat isa sa atin ay mga miyembro ng nag-iisang Senado," he said.
"At kung may kulay man tayong dadalhin, para sa akin, ang mga kulay na 'yan ay dapat sumasagisag as bandila ng Pilipinas na nagkataon lamang na nasa likod at nasa harap natin ngayon," he furthered.
The new Senate president thanked his fellow senators for electing him.
"Maraming salamat po muli sa tiwala at nakahanda po akong pagsilbihan kayo sa anomang makakaya natin habang sabay sabay nating pinagsisilbihan ang bansa at ang sambayanang Plipino," said Escudero.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano proposed Escudero to lead the Senate. Escudero was duly voted as the chamber's new chief by the 24 members, without opposition.
Together with his wife, Heart Evangelista, Escudero took his oath administered by Senator Mark Villar.
