Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected the new Senate Minority Leader of the 20th Congress after a consensus was reached by nine senators during a meeting of the newly formed Minority bloc on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Cayetano’s nomination was formally manifested on the Senate floor by Senator Joel Villanueva.
“As Minority Leader, naniniwala po kami na Senator Cayetano will bring a wealth of experience, a strong moral compass, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy. He has consistently shown his ability to work across party lines, engage in constructive dialogue, and hold the government accountable while advocating for policies that uplift the lives of ordinary people,” Villanueva said on Tuesday afternoon.
“Palagi po natin siyang tinatawag sa acronym na ‘APC’. Knowing him as a friend and mentor – I can describe him as ‘APC’ – Ang Pilipinong Compassionate, Ang Public Servant na Courageous, and A Person of Christlike Integrity. Mr. President, may I respectfully move to nominate the gentleman from Taguig and Pateros – Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as our Minority Leader,” he added, solidifying Cayetano’s leadership role in the chamber’s opposition group.
Cayetano assumed the position from Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III a day after a major leadership reshuffle. Sotto is now the new Senate President, replacing Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
The new Minority bloc now includes Senators Escudero, Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Rodante Marcoleta, Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Robinhood Padilla, and Imee Marcos — making it one of the largest opposition groups in Senate history.
Senators Villanueva and Marcoleta are designated as Deputy Minority Leaders.
A seasoned lawmaker, Cayetano previously served as Minority Leader during the 15th Congress from 2010 to 2013. He was then the youngest senator to serve in that position at the age of 39 years old.
His return to the role comes at a pivotal time as the Senate undergoes significant reorganization and faces pressing national issues.
