Philippine Senator Chiz Escudero Leaves Senate Majority Bloc, Shifts Power Balance

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero announced on June 3, 2026 that he was exiting the Senate majority bloc, describing the chamber’s stalemate as "untenable and unacceptable" and saying it threatened the institution’s ability to perform its constitutional duties. His departure allowed the minority bloc to attain a quorum, prompting a realignment that led to the appointment of Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President and the formation of a new majority.

Escudero denied that his move was driven by political loyalty, emphasizing that his allegiance is to the Senate itself, not to any faction or personality. The internal split has intensified a leadership crisis that coincides with an upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Fellow senator Erwin Tulfo echoed the sentiment, claiming Escudero does not share the majority bloc’s goals.