NEWS - Sen. Vicente "Tito" Sotto III is the new Senate President Pro Tempore — GMA News

[0:00] Just put on record as well that you have been ably discharging your function as Senate President Pro Temp and Acting President since your election in June 3, 2026. [0:10] We'd just like to extend our congratulations on your elections as the new Senate President. [0:15] Thank you very much, Majority Leader. [0:17] Thank you, Mr. President. [0:18] Mr. President, now I would like to move that we proceed with the election of the Senate President Pro Tempore. [0:26] I so move, Mr. President. [0:27] Is there any objection? Hearing none, the election of the Senate President Pro Tempore is in order. [0:33] May I ask, Senator, may we recognize, Mr. President, Senator Ping Laxon for the nomination? [0:38] May I recognize Senator Ping Laxon? [0:39] Thank you, Mr. President. [0:43] With your honor's ascension, as the fourth Senate President of the 20th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines, [0:51] your previous post as Senate President Pro Tempore is now officially vacant. [0:56] May I therefore nominate Senator Vicente Soto III to the position of Senate President Pro Tempore. [1:05] Before I make my motion, Mr. President, I think I will be remiss of my duty and responsibility as a senator, colleague, and friend [1:14] if I didn't thank and commend our two distinguished colleagues, Senator Jesus Scudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, [1:22] for responding to their higher calling for this chamber, our beloved institution, known as the Philippine Senate. [1:31] Higher than their friendships, their affiliations, and every individual member of this body, even higher than themselves. [1:41] I would also wish to put on record that I intentionally and voluntarily relinquished the chairmanship of what is known or most [1:51] or often referred to as the most powerful committee, the Blue Ribbon, for two primary reasons. [1:59] Number one, I am tired of losing all friends and creating new enemies. [2:05] And number two, there are other colleagues who are equally, if not more, qualified than this humble representation to take on the job. [2:13] If there were no takers, I was willing, I'll bet with a heavy heart, to retain and continue sitting as chairman [2:21] and resume a duty that I am morally and obligated to perform. [2:27] With that, Mr. President, I move to nominate the position, to the position of Senate President Pro Tempore, [2:33] Senator or the Honorable Vicente Soto III. [2:38] I so move, Mr. Chairman. [2:40] Now, Mr. President, thank you. [2:42] Thank you. [2:42] Majority Leader. [2:43] Thank you, Mr. President. [2:45] And just to give a short manifestation, Mr. President, I'd like to have the privilege to second the nomination of Senator Vicente Soto III as a Senate President Pro Temp. [3:00] I was his majority leader in all three times he was elected as Senate President. [3:05] It was an honor for me to be his majority leader. [3:07] He used to call me Major, as the Major in the plenary. [3:13] But I can say from experience that he's second to none when it comes to knowledge of our institutional rules, traditions and processes. [3:21] He's what we need in the Senate leadership today. [3:24] Someone who protects the stability of the Senate and uphold the rules that give this institution shape and direction. [3:30] Therefore, I would like to second the nomination of Vicente Soto III as a Senate President Pro Temp. [3:37] Mr. President, there being no other nominations, I therefore move that we close the period of nomination and proceed with acclimation. [3:45] We therefore close the period of nomination and proceed to the voting for the Senate President Pro Temp. [3:54] Those who are in favor, say aye. [3:56] Aye. [3:58] Those who are not in favor, say nay. [4:01] The ayes have it. [4:02] Congratulations to our new Senate President Pro Temp. [4:05] Senator Tito Soto. [4:08] May we proceed, Mr. President, with the oath-taking of the Senate President Pro Temp. [5:14] Thank you. [5:26] Oath of office, please repeat after me. [5:37] I, state your name. [5:39] Aye, Vicente Soto III. [5:40] Having been elected Senate President Pro Temp. [5:43] Having been elected the position of Senate President Pro Temp. [5:46] Do hereby solemnly swear. [5:49] Do hereby solemnly swear. [5:50] That I will well and faithfully discharge. [5:52] That I will well and faithfully discharge. [5:54] To the best of my abilities. [5:55] To the best of my abilities. [5:56] The duties of my present position. [5:58] The duties of my present position. [5:59] And of all others I may hereafter hold. [6:02] And of all others I may hereafter hold. [6:04] Under the Republic of the Philippines. [6:05] Under the Republic of the Philippines. [6:07] That I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines. [6:09] That I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines. [6:12] That I will obey the laws, legal orders, and decrees. [6:14] That I will obey the laws, legal orders, and decrees. [6:17] Promulgated by the duly constituted authorities. [6:20] promulgated by the duly constituted authorities [6:22] and maintain true faith and allegiance [6:26] to the Republic of the Philippines [6:29] and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily [6:35] without mental reservation [6:37] or purpose of evasion. [6:39] So help me God. Congratulations, sir. [6:41] Thank you, sir. [7:24] Mr. President, if I may, [7:52] be able to take my oath as well as Majority Leader, [7:54] although I have been elected as the Chairman of the Rules Committee, [7:57] but I was not able to take my oath the last June 3 meeting. [8:01] Yes, we will administer the oath to the Majority Leader. [8:04] Oath of Office, please repeat after me. [8:25] I, state your name. [8:27] I, Juan Miguel Zubini. [8:29] Having been elected to the position of Chairperson of the Committee on Rules. [8:32] Having been elected to the position of Chairperson of the Committee on Rules. [8:37] Do hereby solemnly swear. [8:38] To hereby solemnly swear. [8:40] That I will well and faithfully discharge. [8:42] That I will well and faithfully discharge. [8:44] To the best of my ability. [8:45] To the best of my ability. [8:46] The duties of my present position. [8:48] The duties of my present position. [8:50] And of all others I may hereafter hold. [8:53] And of all others that I may hereafter hold. [8:55] Under the Republic of the Philippines [8:58] That I will support and defend the Constitution of the Philippines [9:03] That I will obey the laws, legal orders and decrees [9:09] Promulgated by the duly constituted authorities [9:14] And remain true faith and allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines [9:20] And that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily [9:26] Without mental reservation [9:28] Or purpose of evasion [9:30] So help me God [9:32] Congratulations [9:33] Thank you very much sir