MANILA, Philippines – As President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his much‑anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, institutional continuity in Congress is confirmed, with Martin Romualdez returning as House Speaker and Francis “Chiz” Escudero holding on to Senate presidency.
Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin, has been formally reelected as Speaker of the House for the 20th Congress, with overwhelming support from lawmakers—about 92% backed his bid—including figures like former president Gloria Macapagal‑Arroyo . Observers note minimal opposition, reflecting smooth transition into the legislative session .
Meanwhile, Francis “Chiz” Escudero has retained his role as Senate President with wide bipartisan backing. In a closed‐ballot Senate vote held as Congress opened, he secured a 19‑5 margin in favor of his reelection, and Senator Tito Sotto was elected minority leader . Political analysts had earlier flagged Escudero as having sufficient numbers to stay at the helm in the 20th Congress .
On the eve of the SONA, Romualdez reiterated the House’s commitment to support Marcos’s legislative agenda, pledging to convert the administration’s priorities—education, infrastructure, healthcare, agribusiness and digital reforms—into legislation for inclusive growth .
With both legislative chambers under stable leadership aligned with the Executive, the political stage is set for the Marcos administration to pursue the next phase of its “Bagong Pilipinas” nation‑building agenda .
As the President delivers his address in Congress this afternoon, these leadership confirmations signal a unified legislative-support environment that could expedite the passing of key programs and reforms.