Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is poised to reclaim his post as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed on Tuesday.
“Senator Lacson, 100 percent, will return as BRC chair,” Sotto said in a televised interview, noting that there had been a strong call from both the public and fellow lawmakers for Lacson to resume leadership of the panel that probes government anomalies.
Lacson stepped down from the post on October 6 following dissatisfaction among some senators over his handling of the investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Sotto explained that while the chairmanship was offered to other members of the majority bloc, most declined due to their existing committee responsibilities. “They are busy. They do not want to neglect their [respective] committees,” he said, adding that acting chairman Erwin Tulfo welcomed Lacson’s return.
Senator JV Ejercito, in a separate briefing, echoed that there were “no takers” for the position, paving the way for Lacson’s reinstatement when sessions resume on November 10. He also addressed earlier reports suggesting tension between him and Lacson over comments about budget insertions.
“We had a caucus [to clear the matter]. It was just a misunderstanding,” Ejercito clarified, stressing that he and Lacson remain on good terms. “He was even the one who’s been pushing for me to take his place. I respectfully declined,” he said.
Ejercito underscored the urgency of the committee’s work, saying, “The people are longing for answers amid the flood control scandals. No stone should be left unturned.”
