In 1149, Saneyuki SANJO and MINAMOTO no Masasada, who were Dainagon (chief councilor of state) were promoted to Udaijin (minister of the right) and Naidaijin (mister of the center) respectively, vacancies occurred in positions of Dainagon and lower, and, due to a series of linked personnel changes as a result of such vacancies, Tsunemune finally became Sangi (Royal Advisor) at the age of thirty-one and took rank with court nobles.
久安5年（1149年）、大納言の三条実行と源雅定がそれぞれ右大臣・内大臣に昇進して、大納言以下に欠員が生じたことによる玉突き人事の結果、経宗は31歳でようやく参議となり公卿に列した。