The Philippine Senate adjourned its session on Monday without any change in leadership, amidst speculation of a possible reorganization in the upper chamber. The Senate adjourned at around 4:40 PM after convening as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and approving several changes in committee chairmanships.
Majority Bloc Remains Intact
The 13-member majority bloc in the Senate remains intact despite rumors of a leadership shake-up. However, new chairpersons were appointed for several committees, including:
- Culture and the Arts — Loren Legarda
- Ways and Means — Pia Cayetano
- Health and Sports — Bong Go
- Higher, Technical and Vocational Education — Joel Villanueva
- National Defense and Security, and Games and Amusements — Jinggoy Estrada
- Energy and Sustainable Development Goals — Pia Cayetano
- Basic Education — Loren Legarda
- Public Services, and Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs — Robin Padilla
- Public Information and Mass Media — Robin Padilla
- Public Services — Rodante Marcoleta
Denials and Declinations
Earlier, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano denied reports of a possible leadership change, stating that the majority bloc remains solid. On the same day, Senator JV Ejercito turned down an offer to become Senate Majority Leader, saying he prefers to remain independent. Meanwhile, Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that he will join the minority bloc led by former Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
