Sen. Bato dela Rosa Confirms Duterte Bloc’s Support to SP Chiz Escudero
BATO DELA ROSA – The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief turned Senator confirmed the support of the Duterte bloc to Senate President Chiz Escudero.
With the opening of the 20th Congress, there are several questions and speculations about the Senate presidency. Some senators have also aired their side on the matter. A new set of senators composed of the winners of the 2025 Midterm Elections is set to join the existing senators in the upper chamber.
Previously, Sen. Joel Villanueva who confirmed his support for Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero claimed that 13 senators allegedly back the current leadership of the Senate. However, as for Sen. Migz Zubiri, he hopes for a new Senate president even if Escudero allegedly has 13 votes already. He supports incoming Sen. Tito Sotto for the Senate presidency.
According to Zubiri, their bloc which is now known as the “conscience bloc” will support Sotto and they want to ensure that rules and proceedings are followed in the Senate. Aside from the senator and the former Senate president, Sen. Loren Legarda and incoming Sen. Ping Lacson are also part of the said bloc.
Sotto previously claimed that there are senators who want him to take the lead in the 20th Congres. According to him, he is open to be the Senate president again if he has the numbers. He was the chief of the upper chamber during the 18th Congress.
Amid the speculations over the Senate presidency, the vote of the Duterte bloc was also recently confirmed. Based on a report on GMA News, Sen. Bato dela Rosa revealed that their bloc composed of senator allies of former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte will support Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero to remain in his post.
Seven (7) senators are members of the so-called Duterte bloc. They are the following:
- Bato dela Rosa
- Robin Padilla
- Bong Go
- Imee Marcos
- Mark Villar
- Camille Villar
- Rodante Marcoleta
According to Sen. Bato dela Rosa, the Duterte bloc members have talked about the Senate presidency and they are inclined to support Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero as they see no reason for them not to support his leadership.
“Ang pinaka-big factor d’yan na nakikita ko lang talaga is ‘yung pagka-open niya. Nakikinig siya sa lahat ng sides. ‘Yun ang nagustuhan namin na liderato,” Dela Rosa said.
Based on the report, Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that the decision of the Duterte bloc is not tied to any position or favor in exchange of their vote. He stressed that he just likes the leadership of Escudero whom he describes as “not close minded”. According to him, it is what the Senate needs as a democratic institution.
Previously, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito also expressed his support for Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero. He admitted that he is grateful to both Escudero and incoming Sen. Tito Sotto and making a choice is tough for him.