The Philippine Senate has a new leader after 15 senators moved to oust Senate President Francis Escudero, installing Senator Tito Sotto III as the chamber’s presiding officer, as reported by RH Raymund Dadpaas.

Sotto regained the position after securing the support of the majority of senators. He confirmed that he and Escudero had a discussion earlier, during which Escudero agreed to declare the Senate President post vacant, clearing the way for the leadership transition.

Sotto further hinted on possible shifts among other key leadership positions, stating ‘most probably’ the Majority Leader is expected to be Senator Migz Zubiri, while Senator Ping Lacson will serve as Senate President Pro Tempore.

He acknowledged the many challenges ahead, stating, “Maraming mga hinaharap yung leadership namin, mabuti na lang siguro we calm things down in the senate.”

When asked if the leadership change was related to recent controversies, including the flood control projects, Sotto said, “Hindi naman siguro. Ito’y a few weeks back pinaguusapan na ng mga kasama namin. I will not be the best person to ask of the change. Ako’y ika nga hinahalal lang at ihahalal pa lang.”

Senator JV Ejercito reportedly was the last to sign the resolution endorsing Sotto as the new Senate President, completing the majority’s move to formalize the leadership change.

Sotto was officially proclaimed Senate President and took his oath of office today, September 8, solidifying his return to the chamber’s top post.