MANILA, Philippines – The Senate on Monday opened its first regular session of the 18th Congress, hours before President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona). Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto banged the gavel at10 a.m., signaling the opening of the session. The upper chamber of Congress is also set to elect the Senate President, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto would preside over the session until the Senate President is elected. Sotto is expected to retain his post as the Senate President this year, as well as Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 22, 2019 02:03 UTC