Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero stays in his post as the chamber’s president in the 20th Congress with 19 votes from his colleagues. 

In his speech during the opening of the session, Escudero emphasized the need to rise above division, partisanship, and political noise to focus on legislation that directly improves the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

“Every act we take, every law we make, must pass a single test: Makakatulong ba ito sa ordinaryong Pilipino?” Escudero said.

He reflected on the current political climate, acknowledging polarization but asserting that disagreement is essential to a functioning democracy.

“In a democracy, disagreement is not division, and debate is not synonymous with dysfunction,” he said. “Democracy dies not from too much debate, but from too little.”

He urged fellow lawmakers to uphold civility, reject the toxic influence of social media-driven outrage, and engage in meaningful discourse. 

“To speak not to score political points, but to make a point,” he said, advocating respectful, productive debate over personal attacks.

Solution,  not slogans 

Escudero outlined a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on pressing national concerns—from lowering the cost of living and supporting agriculture—to reforming education, healthcare, and the justice system.

He also highlighted national security, climate resilience, and anti-corruption as key policy areas for the 20th Congress.

“Every day, the Filipino people look to the Senate to come up with solutions that will improve their lives, address their needs, and bring their aspirations within reach,” he said.

While asserting his role as presiding officer, Escudero made it clear that Senate leadership is a collective effort.

“This Senate is not mine alone to lead,” he said. “The direction we will take will never be determined by a single hand… but by twenty-four heads—each with a mandate, each with a mind, each with a voice that matters.”

Escudero urged senators to commit fully to the work ahead: “Magtrabaho tayosa kabila ng ingay ng pulitika. 

“Dahil lahat tayo, nasa iisang bangka. At isang direksyon lamang ang ating tinatahak: tungo sa pagkamit ng mga pangarap, hangarin, mithiin, at layunin ng ating mga kababayan,” he added. 

Escudero called for the abandonment of election-era rivalries and partisan colors in favor of national unity represented by the Philippine flag.

“Our flag has endured war and occupation, dictatorship and disaster, revolution and crisis—and still, it continues to fly in the hearts and minds of our people,” he said. 

“It stands before us now, not as a mere symbol, but as a solemn reminder of the country that we serve, the people we represent, and the duty we have sworn to fulfill,” he added. 

He reminded senators of the deeper meaning behind the flag’s colors, saying blue for the nobility of the Filipino race, white for equality and justice, yellow for hope and ambition, and red for courage and sacrifice.

“These are the colors that define who we are,” he said. “Not the red, blue, yellow, green, orange, or pink of our campaigns—but the colors of a nation determined to rise together.”

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito expressed his warmest congratulations to Escudero, citing experience, intelligence, and commitment to pushing for meaningful legislation.

“We have full confidence in SP Chiz’s brilliance, experience, and steadfast commitment to effective legislation. Under his leadership, the Senate is in good hands.”

The senator also emphasized a shared commitment to legislative priorities, particularly in key sectors such as health, infrastructure, and energy.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Senate President as we push forward my advocacies on health, infrastructure development, and energy for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the statement continued.

Escudero, who previously held the post in the 19th Congress, is expected to lead the Senate through another critical legislative session, with a focus on economic recovery, national security, and long-term development goals.