Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero and other former members of the Senate majority bloc have been assigned new committee chairmanships after officially joining the minority.
During Monday’s plenary session, Escudero, who was recently unseated as Senate President, was elected chair of the committee on urban planning, housing, and resettlement.
Former Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada now leads the committee on local government, while former Majority Leader Joel Villanueva chairs the committee on banks, financial institutions, and currencies. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who previously headed the powerful blue ribbon committee, will now take charge of trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship.
Other members of the nine-man minority bloc retained their committee posts. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa continues to lead the committee on civil service, government reorganization, and professional regulation. Senator Robin Padilla remains chair of the committees on cultural communities and Muslim affairs, as well as public information and mass media. Senator Bong Go continues to chair the committees on sports and youth, while Senator Imee Marcos stays as chair of the foreign relations panel.
The leadership shake-up followed last week’s dramatic plenary move that ousted Escudero as Senate President, replacing him with Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson succeeded Estrada as Senate President Pro Tempore, while Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri replaced Villanueva as Majority Leader.