The Brazilian Senate Wednesday elected Senator Eunicio Oliveira, a long-time ally of President Michel Temer, as its new president.

Oliveira was leader of Temer's Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) in the Senate, the upper chamber of Brazil's parliament, the National Congress.

In this new capacity, Oliveira is second in line of succession to the Brazilian presidency, after the speaker of the lower chamber.

Oliveira only confirmed his candidacy on Monday after being heavily favored for the position within the PMDB.

In a speech before the parliament vote, Oliveira highlighted the importance of the Senate's role in combating corruption in the South American country.

He has denied a bribery allegation in a sweeping graft investigation involving the state oil company Petrobras.

Oliveira succeeded Renan Calheiros, who is being investigated for corruption.

source: Xinhua