Sen. Jinggoy Estrada takes his oath as the new Senate President Pro Tempore during the chamber's plenary session May 20, 2024, Monday. Senate livestream

MANILA — Senators on Monday picked Sen. Jinggoy Estrada as their new Senate President Pro Tempore, the second highest position in the chamber, replacing veteran lawmaker Loren Legarda during a surprise leadership overhaul.

Escudero takes helm of Senate after Zubiri resignation

Estrada was "elected by acclamation" as no one opposed or challenged his nomination.

Under Section 4 of Rule IV of the Rules of the Senate, the President Pro Tempore shall discharge the powers and duties of the President in the following cases:

• When the President is absent for one or more days

• When the President is temporarily incapacitated

• In the event of the resignation, removal, death or absolute incapacity of the President

Estrada was sworn in to his new position by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who got elected to the top post earlier in the session following the resignation of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

'I failed to follow instructions': Zubiri steps down as Senate president

Estrada is the son of former President Erap Estrada and brother of another incumbent Sen. JV Ejercito.

Earlier this year, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Estrada of plunder in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam linked to businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles.

However, the court also convicted him of one count of direct bribery and 2 counts of indirect bribery. He was sentenced to 8-9 years for direct bribery and 2-3 years for indirect bribery.

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