Photos courtesy of the Senators social media accounts
MANILA — As the 20th Philippine Congress prepares to resume its second regular session in July, political murmurs are growing over a potential shake-up in Senate leadership—a post often called “two heartbeats away from the presidency” due to its place in the constitutional line of succession.
Currently held by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the Senate presidency is a pivotal role in Philippine governance. The position not only ranks third in line to the highest office, but also exerts significant influence over legislative priorities, committee control, and executive-legislative negotiations.
While no formal leadership challenge has emerged, several names are being floated within political circles as potential successors or future contenders—signaling that positioning may already be underway.
Among them is Senator Imee Marcos, who confirmed on May 23 that fellow lawmakers have approached her to consider the role. “Some senators have approached me with the proposal to be their candidate for Senate President,” she said in a statement. “Whoever will be elected by our peers—whether it is me or not—there are certain congressional reforms that need to be undertaken.”
Marcos, the eldest sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is currently serving her second term and chairs the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation. Though aligned with the ruling political family, she has at times taken independent positions on matters such as foreign policy and budget transparency.
Also being mentioned is former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who returned to the chamber after a successful bid in the 2025 midterm elections. While Sotto has not issued any public statements about a renewed leadership bid, his experience and longstanding relationships in the chamber make him a credible figure in any transition scenario.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, aligned with the Duterte bloc, has stated that their coalition has yet to settle on a candidate but has emphasized the importance of “fairness and consultation” in any leadership negotiations.
Other names reportedly being watched include Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, known for his maneuvering across various administrations, and Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who stepped down as Senate President in May 2024 but remains an influential figure with bipartisan ties.
Despite these developments, Escudero maintains a firm grip on the position. Since assuming the Senate presidency last year, he has kept the chamber relatively stable and retains the backing of a majority coalition. His technocratic style and policy fluency continue to earn him support from various blocs.
Any shift in leadership would require a majority vote—at least 13 of the 24 senators—making a transition feasible only if a significant realignment occurs during the session break.
For now, the speculation remains just that. But the quiet signaling from key figures, and the strategic silence of others, suggest that the race for one of the country’s most powerful posts may already be taking shape behind closed doors.
