Senator Pimentel is new Senate President

                        Former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. gives his blessing to his son Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III after the latter took his oath as Senate President during the Opening of the 1st Regular Session of the 17th Congress, July 25, 2016. Pimentel assured everyone that as the new Senate chief, he will be guided by fairness and democratic principles. “I pledge before all of you today that I will be fair in carrying out the mandate you have given me as Senate President,” he said. PRIB Photo by Cesar Tomambo/25 July 2016) | by Rita Salonga via RH News

Manila, Philippines - Senator Koko Pimentel has officially sworn as the new Senate President in the 17^th Congress.

Out of the 23 present Senators, attending the Senate’s first session today, 20 of them voted for Pimentel.

Senator Vicente Sotto III nominated Pimentel, which was then seconded by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Pimentel went up against Senator Ralph Recto, as the latter received three votes and automatically becomes the Minority leader.

Senator Franklin Drilon will serve as Senate President Pro Tempore while Senator Sotto is the new majority floor leader.

Atty. Lutgardo Barbo will be the Senate Secretary for the 17^th Congress.

Meanwhile, missing in today’s first session of the Senate is Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.