By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Newly installed Senate President Chiz Escudero stated on Wednesday (22 May 2024) that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was unaware of the leadership change in the upper chamber.
“He only mentioned that he was in Dumaguete and Bacolod, and by the time he landed… he discovered that there had already been a change [of leadership],” Escudero informed reporters during a press briefing.
The senator had previously indicated that he discussed his Senate Presidency plan with fellow senators on Thursday (16 May 2024).
Meanwhile, Escudero expressed uncertainty about how former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri learned of the plan to unseat him.
“It was only last Thursday when I consulted [my fellow senators] and we reached a decision… I don’t know how he became aware of it on Wednesday,” he remarked.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez congratulated Escudero on Wednesday (22 May 2024) as he assumed the Senate Presidency and expressed appreciation to Zubiri.
(el Amigo/MNM)
