The Senate’s new nine-member minority bloc poses for a photo on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. From left: Senators Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Francis Escudero. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano / Wilnard Bacelonia / Senate of the Philippines.)
Membership of the bloc
The minority bloc is composed of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, former Senate president Escudero, former Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senators Bong Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The group’s official photo was released by the Office of Senator Cayetano and circulated by the Philippine News Agency.
Leadership role
Senator Jinggoy Estrada confirmed that Cayetano would serve as the leader of the minority. Subsequent reports also indicated that Marcoleta had been tapped as Deputy Minority Leader, solidifying the group’s internal leadership structure.
Context of the shake-up
Sotto’s return to the Senate presidency reshuffled the chamber’s balance of power. Fifteen senators aligned themselves with the new majority bloc, effectively pushing the nine lawmakers into the minority. Observers noted that the size of the bloc highlights deeper fissures within the chamber, making it one of the largest minorities in a 24-member Senate.
