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SENATE President Francis \u201cChiz\u201d G. Escudero was reelected head of the 24-member chamber as the body formally convened on Monday (July 28) for the opening of the 20th Congress.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Escudero vowed to steward the institution with unity, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to work for the welfare of the Filipino people.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Garnering 19 votes that fortified his place as Senate chief\u2014a role which he first assumed in May 2024\u2014he expressed gratitude to his fellow senators for their continued trust and confidence in his leadership.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In his speech, Senate President Escudero called on lawmakers to rise above political divisions and work together in pursuit of common goals such as lowering the cost of living, improving healthcare and education, creating jobs, and laying the foundations, both physical and legal, that will ensure every Filipino partakes in the bounty of development.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe are here to serve our people\u2014guided by our conscience, driven by our conviction, and emboldened by courage,\u201d said the Senate President, the first Bicolano to hold the position.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Framing the Upper Chamber as a bulwark against noise and populist pressure, the Senate leader urged his colleagues to uphold institutional duty with calm and resolve, especially in an era of social media spectacle and reactive politics.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe should not and cannot bow to a mob. We will not be cowed by the shrillest of voices,\u201d he said.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe will stand up for what is right, what is just, and what is consistent with the Rule of Law and our Constitution,\u201d he added.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the same breath, the Bicolano senator emphasized the value of dissent and the importance of preserving democratic debate.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThat we disagree does not mean that you are right and I am wrong, or that I am right and you are wrong. After all, nobody has a monopoly of good ideas, intentions, and plans for the country. Nor does anyone have a monopoly of love for our country,\u201d Escudero said.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust because I\u2019m not on your side does not necessarily mean that I\u2019m on the wrong side. Let history be the judge of that, for hindsight is always 20\/20,\u201d he added.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the same time, the Senate chief also took the opportunity to reaffirm his belief in collective leadership, stressing that no single individual, including himself, holds sway over the institution\u2019s direction. <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThis is a collective body, and its strength lies in the balance, not in the banging, of that gavel,\u201d he said.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Looking ahead, the veteran legislator outlined legislative priorities grounded in the needs of everyday Filipinos\u2014from housing and wages to education reform, climate resilience, and national defense.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEvery act we take, every law we make, must pass a single test: Makakatulong ba ito sa ordinaryong Pilipino? This is our duty. This is our mandate,\u201d he stressed.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Senate leader also urged his colleagues to let go of partisan identities and rally around the symbols and values that unite the nation.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNoong nagdaang halalan, iba\u2019t ibang kulay ang dinala natin \u2026 But as we all know, the elections are over. For the sake of our people, it is time we trade the colors of our campaigns for the colors of our country,\u201d he appealed.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Referencing the flag as a moral compass, Senate President Escudero reflected on the ideals embedded in each hue.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAsul: sagisag ng lahing Pilipino, na kakaiba sa ibang mga lahi. May dangal at paninindigan, at hindi kailanman palulupig.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPuti: sagisag ng ating pagkakapantay-pantay at katarungan para sa lahat.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDilaw na araw at mga bituin: sumasagisag sa mga mataas na mithiin, hangarin, at layunin ng ating mga kababayan, at pag-asa na dala ng bawat bukas.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAt pula: sagisag sa ating kahaandaang hindi lamang mamatay, kundi kung kinakailangan, lumaban at pumatay, alang-alang sa kalayaan at kasarinlan ng ating bayan,\u201d he explained.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In fulfilling their duties as legislators, the Senate President urged his colleagues to look at the Philippine flag as a solemn reminder of public service.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIsa siyang paalala: Hindi tayo nandito para sa sarili nating interes, o sa interes ng isang partido o indibidwal. Isa siyang paalala na nandito tayo para maglingkod\u2014buong dangal, buong puso, at buong katapatan\u2014para sa ating minamahal na bayan,\u201d Escudero said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cLet us carry out this collective duty with humility, integrity, and purpose as we begin this new chapter of the Senate together,\u201d added the Senate chief.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n