Two senators have turned down the chance to lead the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee following the resignation of Sen. Panfilo Lacson as chair.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III revealed that five lawmakers are being considered for the post—Sens. JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Francis Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. The majority bloc is expected to deliberate on the matter in a caucus today, October 8.
While expressing appreciation for being included in the shortlist, Ejercito said he is unlikely to accept the position, noting that other senators may be better suited for the role. Tulfo also declined the offer, saying he prefers to focus on his ongoing work in the committees on labor, migrant workers, and public services—areas he considers central to his advocacies.
Lacson’s resignation followed mounting tension in the Senate after he remarked that nearly all senators had made insertions in the 2025 budget. Despite calls for him to stay, Sotto confirmed that Lacson stood firm on his decision but will continue to serve as an ex-officio member due to his role as Senate President Pro Tempore.
Sotto praised Lacson for being an “objective investigator who follows the evidence” but acknowledged that the controversies surrounding recent hearings left him “frustrated.”
Several senators have continued urging Lacson to reconsider, including Sen. Lito Lapid, who emphasized his investigative background as a former police chief.
Meanwhile, the Blue Ribbon’s hearings on flood control projects have been temporarily suspended due to scheduling conflicts, with sessions expected to resume after the congressional break in November.
