JV Ejercito takes oath as Senator

Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito takes his oath as Senator before Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court Complex in Manila. Photo from JV Ejercito’s office

MANILA, Philippines — Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Wednesday took his oath as Senator in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court Complex in Manila.

Ejercito was sworn in as Senator by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating mga kababayan. Di naging madali ang laban. Mahirap, pero dahil sa inyong tiwala at suporta, tayo ay nagwagi,” he said.

“Umasa kayo, na ito ay aking susuklian ng serbisyong tapat at walang katumbas,” he added.

Ejercito was proclaimed on May 18 as one of the winners in this year’s senatorial elections.

Despite his poor performance in most surveys conducted before the start of the official campaign period, he eventually barged into the so-called Magic 12, placing 7th in OCTA Research’s March 5-10 survey and 9th in the April 16-21 senatorial poll.

Ejercito was also endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte and most presidential candidates in the May 2022 general elections, including President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito poses for a solo photo after taking his oath as Senator on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court Complex in Manila. Photo from JV Ejercito’s office

During his first term in the Senate, he was the principal sponsor of several landmark laws, including the Universal Healthcare Law and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Law.

Ejercito is expected to advocate for widespread infrastructure development and push for the creation of a comprehensive infrastructure development master plan after his Senate comeback.

Congress will be having its first session on July 25 shortly before the new President’s first State of the Nation Address.

Joining Ejercito in the Senate for the 19th Congress are actor Robin Padilla, outgoing Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, radio personality Raffy Tulfo, outgoing Sorsogon Gov. Francis Escudero, former Public Works and Highways secretary Mark Villar, former speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, his brother and former senator Jinggoy Estrada, and reelected Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, and Risa Hontiveros.

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