WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Senate and the House of Representatives are opening their sessions for the 19th Congress at 10 am (Manila time) on Monday, July 25, a few hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is to deliver his first State of the Nation Address.
District and party-list representatives are expected to formally elect Marcos’ cousin and Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez as House speaker, while senators are set to choose Marcos-allied senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as Senate president.
Bookmark and refresh this page for updates, videos, and analyses on the opening sessions of the 19th Congress on July 25.
Watch the Senate opening in the video below:
Watch the House opening in the video below:
Further down the page, click “load more.”
LATEST UPDATES
LOOK: Sara Duterte attends opening of 19th Congress
LOOK: Vice President Sara Duterte attends the opening of the 19th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 25, 2022, hours before the first State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. https://t.co/eSo8mf7NPU pic.twitter.com/LgNvaZ7JdA
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) July 25, 2022
BREAKING | Representatives Martin Romualdez and Sandro Marcos welcome Vice President Sara Duterte to House of Representatives for opening of 19th Congress.#FMR pic.twitter.com/rTxHeGzszu
— LAKAS-Christian Muslim Democrats (@Lakas_CMDph) July 25, 2022
Highlights from the Senate session
Election for Senate president up next. Senator Joel Villanueva nominates Zubiri for the post. "We have seen how Senator Zubiri transformed from an athletic heartthrob to statesman," says Villanueva. pic.twitter.com/Gsdtiv6y2n
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senator Loren Legarda also nominates Zubiri: He has demonstrated his ability to lead and manage the legislative affairs of the Senate…. Dynamic, hard-working, congenial, forward-looking
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Estrada recalls Zubiri had been critical of the presidency of his father Erap Estrada, but that's water under the bridge now: Ngunit may kasabihan tayo na bilog ang mundo.. Marami na po ang nagbago. Ang ilang bumabatikos sa atin noon ay kaalyado at mga kaibigan na natin ngayon
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Sen Bato dela Rosa on nominating Zubiri: I have witnessed his excellence in leading 23 individuals w/ 23 diff opinions on national issues during the 18th Congress. True to his moniker as trabahador ng Senado, I have seen how Sen Zubiri worked passionately for the Filipino people
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Like the past senators who have spoken so far, Ejercito also nominates Zubiri for Senate president. Ejercito says Zubiri charisma, ability to build consensus are crucial in leading the chamber.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano separately manifest they did not join the voting for Zubiri nor will they be joining the election for Senate minority leader. This means the Cayetanos will be deemed part of the "independent" bloc of the chamber.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senator Risa Hontiveros likewise abstained from the voting for Senate president. She will be joining Pimentel in the Senate minority bloc of the 19th Congress.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri takes his oath as Senate president before Senator Loren Legarda, the most senior member of the chamber. pic.twitter.com/2Bgl0GAEQ3
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri delivers his first speech as Senate president: To my colleagues, thank you for the trust. I shall repay that honor with hard work as your trabahador ng Senado. pic.twitter.com/Ukma3wG8QK
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, Zubiri names the pressing problems of the country today: “Food, fuel, fiscal, and the fading faith of the people in our institutions”
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri: This Senate under my leadership, however, will be one to solve problems more than it would find faults. While probes are magnets for publicity… it is the policy, laws patiently written line by line, away from the limelight, that drives progress.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri: “We must uphold the Senate’s proud tradition of being independent.”
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
The Marcos ally has formed a supermajority coalition in the upper chamber traditionally known to be more independent than the House. But Zubiri says he won’t use it to railroad Marcos’ pet bills.
Zubiri on pet bills Marcos to announce later: Let us view them in the proper context – that this is not a presidential wish list he crafted on his own, but rather, a President articulating what the people want. So let us respond to what the people want urgently.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri on metrics that should gauge senators’ performance: This will be the first downpayment of what we owe people.. Laws that will bring social good, not just social media hits; jobs created, hunger reduced
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri vows to be fair the 2-member minority bloc: It is the strength of an idea that makes it right and not the sheer number of its believers
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senator Sonny Angara nominates Legarda as Senate president pro-tempore, the second highest post in the chamber. Legarda is the most senior member of the Senate, with 18 years under her belt.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senator Nancy Binay also nominates Legarda for Senate president pro-tempore.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Poe also nominates Legarda for Senate president pro-tempore. “It is an understatement to say that Senator Legarda is an authority in legislation,” says Poe, who describes Legarda as a mentor figure to her.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Poe recalls that Legarda was the running mate of her late father, Fernando Poe Jr., when the latter ran but lost for president.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Dela Rosa joins the other senators in nominating Legarda for Senate president pro-tempore.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
The Senate elects Legarda as Senate president pro-tempore under the 19th Congress. No other senator was nominated for the post.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Legarda takes her oath as Senate president pro-tempore before Zubiri. Senators Binay, Poe, Dela Rosa, and Angara witness the oath-taking pic.twitter.com/xkeTgMltUl
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Legarda delivers her acceptance speech: It is with great honor that I accept the Senate president pro-tempore position. I am truly humbled by the support given by my colleagues in this august chamber that I consider my home all these years.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Legarda: Indeed, it has been a fulfilling journey, but my sojourn has not come to an end. Hindi pa po tapos ang ating trabaho.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Angara nominates Villanueva as chairman of the Senate committee on rules, a post only held by the Senate majority leader.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Dela Rosa also nominates Villanueva as chairman of the Senate committee on rules.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri himself seconds Villanueva’s nomination: “Senator Joel has proven himself a capable leader throughout his public service career,” says Zubiri.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Zubiri: With his experience, knowledge, and passion, we know that Senator Joel “Tesdaman” Villanueva will serve this chamber well
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Villanueva is elected as chairman of the Senate committee on rules. Under the Senate rules, this also means Villanueva is now the Senate majority leader.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senator Robin Padilla manifests that he is not casting his vote for Villanueva as Senate majority leader.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Hontiveros manifests that Pimentel will be the Senate minority leader under the 19th Congress.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
The minority bloc is far outnumbered by the the supermajority bloc (20 senators). The Cayetanos have decided to form their own "independent" bloc, neither majority or minority.
Villanueva delivers his acceptance speech: Nakaka-inspire ang mga sandaling ito… I know Mr President that more than a rank, title, or position, I am now receiving a great responsibility. This responsibility is about taking care of this beloved institution, the People’s Senate.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Renato Bantug Jr takes his oath as Senate secretary before Senate President Migz Zubiri. pic.twitter.com/CTa80C9Ehg
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
The Senate suspends session, to resume via a joint session with the House at 4 pm so they can hear President Ferdinand Marcos Jr deliver his 1st State of the Nation Address.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
LOOK: The 19th Congress senators pose for their “class picture.” The ranking members of the chamber –Senate President Migz Zubiri, Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Minority Leader Koko Pimentel– are all seated in front 📷 Angie de Silva pic.twitter.com/NGUN5GyvO6
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senate session begins with reading of Comelec resolution proclaiming winning senators
Today’s session begins with the reading of the Comelec resolution proclaiming the 12 winning senators in the 2022 elections. They also take their oaths. pic.twitter.com/2rHuMhTnGm
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Sara Duterte attends opening of 19th Congress at Batasang Pambansa
Both Pres Marcos and VP Duterte have relatives in the House. Marcos' eldest son, Ferdinand Alexander or "Sandro" represents the first district of Ilocos Norte. Romualdez's wife, Yedda, reps Tingog party-list. Davao City's 1st district is represented by the VP's brother, Paolo.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
House opens first regular session in 19th Congress
1st Regular Session of the House of Reps opens. The House will be electing its leaders today – although Leyte 1st District Rep Martin Romualdez has long gotten enough votes to be House Speaker. Romualdez is the cousin of Pres Marcos and 2022 co-campaign manager of VP Sara Duterte pic.twitter.com/E7eI2ReOeL
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Both Pres Marcos and VP Duterte have relatives in the House. Marcos' eldest son, Ferdinand Alexander or "Sandro" represents the first district of Ilocos Norte. Romualdez's wife, Yedda, reps Tingog party-list. Davao City's 1st district is represented by the VP's brother, Paolo.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Rep Marcos adds, House needs "someone who believes that as the dust settles, the time for politics must end and the time for public service begins." He nominates his uncle, Lakas-CMD President Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Rep Marcos says “much has been said” about Rep Romualdez’ family ties but says latter’s “qualifications are beyond sufficient to lead us to great heights” and that he has “worked his way up” in over 12 years of elected office.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Former senator, now Batangas Rep Ralph Recto seconds Rep Marcos’ nomination of Rep Romualdez as House Speaker.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
The nominations and manifestations now are mere formalities. Romualdez has long gotten enough votes and support to be elected House Speaker.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Those speaking to second Rep Marcos’ nomination of Rep Romualdez as House Speaker represent the major parties in the House and different blocs in the 19th Congress.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
No other nominees for House Speaker, so voting immediately begins. Roll to be called again, reps asked to name their pick for House Speaker – even if Romualdez is sole nominee.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is among those who manifest before the plenary to vote for Romualdez as House Speaker.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Rep Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Lakas-CMD president emeritus and former president, votes for Romualdez as House Speaker. She joins session via teleconferencing since she has still tested positive for COVID-19. The gallery applauds after Arroyo casts her vote.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Kabataan Rep @iamRaoulManuel abstains from voting. Again, Romualdez is the sole nominee for House Speaker.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Applause from gallery again as Rep Yedda Romualdez of Tingog votes for her husband, Rep Martin Romualdez, as House Speaker.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
With 283 votes, Rep Martin Romualdez is officially elected House Speaker of the 19th Congress.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
SecGen is Reginald Velasco, Srgt at Arms is retired police major general Napoleon Caballes Taas.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
House Majority Leader is Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep Mannix Dalipe.
— Bea Cupin (@beacupin) July 25, 2022
Zubiri opens Senate’s first regular session under 19th Congress
Senator Migz Zubiri, whom we expect to be elected Senate president in a few minutes, formally opens the Senate’s first regular session under the 19th Congress. pic.twitter.com/yA0rx41psK
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
More senators arrive with their spouses
Senator Chiz Escudero is joined by his celebrity wife Heart Evangelista, while Senator Lito Lapid is accompanied by his son, TIEZA COO Mark Lapid. | via @maracepeda pic.twitter.com/xLjN77UTtG
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) July 25, 2022
Poe optimistic Senate won’t be a rubber stamp despite ‘supermajority’
Poe expects President Marcos to give concrete plans to address rising prices of food, fuel.
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
Senator Grace Poe hopes President Marcos would tackle the rising prices of goods, and discuss his strategy to combat corruption in the agriculture sector, in his SONA speech later. pic.twitter.com/kX1GsnRSXl
— Dwight De Leon (@newsdwight) July 25, 2022
Senator Bong Revilla now at Senate
LOOK: Senator Bong Revilla now here at the Senate for the opening of the 19th Congress pic.twitter.com/Hxj7NAp7SJ
— Mara Cepeda (@maracepeda) July 25, 2022
WATCH: Ilocos Norte congressman Sandro Marcos on race for speakership
If Rep. Martin Romualdez would be elected as the speaker of the House, two of the top elective positions would be under the Marcos clan.
— Jairo Bolledo (@jairojourno) July 25, 2022