Escudero wins SP race against Sotto

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero retained his position on Monday as Senate President of the 20th Congress in a head-to-head battle against returning Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

At least 19 senators voted in favor of Escudero, who shepherded the chamber in its handling of the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte in the 19th Congress.

Those who voted for Escudero were Senators Bong Go, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Pia Cayetano, Alan Cayetano, Erwin Tulfo, and Raffy Tulfo.

Also voting for Escudero were Senators Mark and Camille Villar, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Robin Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, and Lito Lapid.

Meanwhile, those who backed Sotto’s return as Senate President were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Loren Legarda, Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

Sotto and Escudero themselves voted for each other.

Sotto losing the Senate Presidential race means he will now lead the Senate Minority bloc.

Lacson earlier called their group the conscience bloc, which is composed of Legarda, Hontiveros, Zubiri, and Sotto himself.