Former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was elected Senate President Pro Tempore during a special session of the Senate on Wednesday, June 17.
The election came after Senator Sherwin Gatchalian vacated the post of Senate President Pro Tempore after he was formally sworn in as the new Senate President in the same session.
Sotto secured the position with the backing of senators, including nominations led by Senator Panfilo Lacson.
Senators Francis Escudero and Joel Villanueva were among those who helped complete the 13 votes needed for the leadership change.
In a ceremonial moment, Gatchalian administered Sotto’s oath of office, with Senators Migz Zubiri, Escudero and Lacson witnessing the oath-taking.
In the same session, Zubiri was sworn in as chairperson of the Committee on Rules during the Senate special session on Wednesday, June 17.
(Photo courtesy: Screengrab from Senate session on Wednesday, June 17)
