ILOILO — Antique’s Sen. Loren Legarda emerged as one of the biggest winners in the dramatic leadership shake-up at the Senate on Monday after backing the successful ouster of Senate President Tito Sotto. She was elected Senate President Pro Tempore under the new leadership of Alan Peter Cayetano.
Legarda joined 12 other senators in voting for Cayetano to become the new Senate president amid mounting political tensions ahead of a possible Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Following Cayetano’s victory, Legarda was elected Senate President Pro Tempore, making her the second-highest ranking official in the chamber.
In her acceptance speech, Legarda paid tribute to Sotto and other Senate leaders.
“His wisdom, leadership, and discipline have strengthened this institution and set a standard we will continue to uphold,” Legarda said of Sotto.
She also expressed admiration for former Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, saying his “discipline, integrity, and steadfast leadership continue to strengthen the Senate as an institution.”
Legarda likewise recognized Sen. Miguel Zubiri for fostering unity and steering the Senate’s legislative agenda “with dedication and purpose.”
The Antique senator also pledged support for Cayetano’s leadership.
“Today, I accept with humility the trust you have given me to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore. I accept this role with a clear sense of responsibility. The Senate President Pro Tempore helps ensure that the work of the Senate continues with order, stability, and respect for the institution,” Legarda said.
She added: “It is a responsibility shaped by four terms of service in this chamber, by the honor of having served as the Senate’s first — and only — female Senate Majority Leader, and by my previous service as Senate President Pro Tempore from the opening of the 19th Congress in July 2022 until May 2024.”
Legarda stressed that the Senate must remain focused on addressing the country’s worsening economic conditions.
“In this chamber, we must never lose sight of the true measure of our work: the lives we change. Leadership demands decisiveness. Time is not a luxury for those we serve; it is often the difference between survival and deprivation, felt most painfully through the gurgling of an empty stomach,” she said.
Legarda acknowledged that she is assuming new responsibilities at a time of crisis. Inflation has risen sharply, with food, transport, electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities placing heavier burdens on Filipino families.
“In moments like this, the Senate must be clear in its priorities: reduce the burden on our people, send help where it is needed, and help stabilize the economic forces affecting every part of society,” Legarda added. “Ang pamahalaang may malasakit, hindi dapat nagdadagdag ng pasanin sa mamamayan.”
She emphasized that the Senate “must remain steady, responsible, and united” so the public would see a chamber “focused on solutions, not division.”/PN
