The Senate announced on Tuesday, July 29, its initial list of committee chairpersons for the 20th Congress, featuring a mix of veteran lawmakers and new faces.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a first-time senator, now leads both the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano chairs several key committees, including those on Accounts, Higher Education, Technical and Vocational Education, Justice and Human Rights, and Science and Technology.
Senator Imee Marcos is heading Foreign Relations, Labor, and Cooperatives; while Senator Robin Padilla continues to lead Constitutional Amendments, Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, and Public Information and Mass Media—reflecting his advocacy for federalism and Charter change.
Senator Pia Cayetano will oversee the Energy, Ways and Means, and Sustainable Development Goals Committees.
Returning Senator Bam Aquino will lead the Basic Education Committee, and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan will head Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, a known advocate for labor and migrant workers, is now in charge of the Migrant Workers and Public Services Committees. His brother, Senator Erwin Tulfo, takes over Games and Amusements as well as Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development.
Senator Bong Go maintains his leadership over Health and Demography, Sports, and Youth; while Senator JV Ejercito chairs Tourism and Local Government.
Senator Bato dela Rosa continues to helm the Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee, and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada will lead the National Defense and Security Committee.
Senator Camille Villar assumes the Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change Committee, taking over a post once held by her mother, former Senator Cynthia Villar.
Her brother, Senator Mark Villar, is heading the Public Works Committee.
Finally, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian will be in control of the powerful Finance Committee, which is expected to play a major role in budget deliberations. (Dhel Nazario)
