The Philippine Senate concluded its session without altering its leadership but appointed new chairs for several key committees amidst impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
On May 18, 2026, the Philippine Senate adjourned its session around 4:40 p.m. without any changes in its overall leadership, despite earlier speculation about a potential reshuffle. The session included the continuation of the impeachment court trial for Vice President Sara Duterte. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the Senate President, dismissed rumors of a leadership coup, affirming that the majority bloc of 13 members remains unchanged. Nonetheless, the Senate approved new chairpersons for numerous committees, signaling shifts in committee leadership roles. The following committees saw new chair appointments: Culture and the Arts (Loren Legarda), Ways and Means (Pia Cayetano), Health (Bong Go), Higher, Technical and Vocational Education (Joel Villanueva), National Defense and Security (Jinggoy Estrada), Sports (Bong Go), Sustainable Development Goals (Pia Cayetano), Basic Education (Loren Legarda), Public Services (Rodante Marcoleta), Public Information and Mass Media (Robin Padilla), Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs (Robin Padilla), Games and Amusements (Jinggoy Estrada), and Energy (Pia Cayetano). Earlier in the day, Senator JV Ejercito declined the offer from Cayetano to become Senate Majority Leader, opting to remain independent and later joining the minority bloc. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri also joined the minority bloc led by former Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Cayetano indicated his readiness to fulfill his role regardless of whether it involves overseeing impeachment proceedings or other duties. These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions within the Senate, yet no formal leadership changes have been made.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/988048/senate-adjourns-sans-leadership-change-new-committee-chairpersons-named/story/
