MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Senate officially filled two of its most critical administrative roles on Monday, February 2, 2026, electing a seasoned legislator as its new secretary and welcoming back a retired military officer as its sergeant-at-arms.
Historic Appointment for Senate Secretary Senators unanimously elected Mark Llandro “Dong” Mendoza as the new Secretary of the Senate, filling the vacancy left by retired Secretary Renato Bantug.
- A First in History: Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who nominated Mendoza, noted that this appointment marks the first time in Philippine history that an individual who served as Secretary General of the House of Representatives (2020–2022) has also been elected to serve as Secretary of the Senate.
- Experience: Mendoza is a veteran public servant, having served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2016 and most recently as the Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs from 2022 to 2025.
- Integrity: Zubiri praised Mendoza as someone the chamber can trust to manage Senate affairs with “competence and integrity.”
Return of the Sergeant-at-Arms The chamber also elected retired Major General Edgardo Rene Samonte as the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
- Familiar Territory: Samonte is no stranger to the post, having previously served in the same capacity during the 18th Congress.
- Military Background: A retired officer of the Philippine Air Force, Samonte was commended for his intimate knowledge of the Senate halls and security protocols.
- Zubiri’s Endorsement: Zubiri described Samonte’s election as a “return to service for a man who has already proven himself to be a trusted leader.”
Oath of Office Senate President Vicente Sotto III administered the oath of office to both Mendoza and Samonte immediately following their election.
The new administrative leadership comes at a busy time for the Senate as it continues to deliberate on several high-profile legislative inquiries and national budget oversight for 2026.