17th Congress opens today

by Kristine Dela Cruz with Henry Uri via RH TV Live

Manila Philippines - The 17^th Congress formally opens today, Monday, with the election of new leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives, followed by the President’s State of the Nation Address.

Political pundits expect Sen. Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel  to be named as the new Senate President replacing Sen. Franklin Drilon.

Drilon is expected to become Senate President Pro Tempore, while Sen. Vicente Sotto is expected to be the next Majority Floor Leader.

Today marks the start of the terms in office of Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Riza Hontiveros, Leila De Lima, Emmanuel Pacquiao, and Joel Villanueva.

Senators Richard Gordon, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan, and Miguel Zubiri will also be returning to the Senate.
In the House of Representatives, Davao Del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez is expected to become the new Speaker of the House.        

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