Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed on Tuesday that Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is highly likely to reclaim his position as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Accountability, Public Officers and Investigations, more commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee, following his resignation amid criticism over the handling of the flood-control investigation.
Sotto said Lacson is open to resuming his leadership of the committee after reflecting on previous hearings and recognizing that many crucial issues remain unresolved.
“Magkausap kami just a couple of days ago… I think it’s a yes. Definitely magkakaroon kami ng pagpupulong ng Blue Ribbon Committee … I think it’s very positive at this point,” Sotto stated.
He added that Lacson likely reviewed what transpired during past hearings and saw the need to pursue unfinished matters.
“Tiningnan niya siguro kung ano ‘yung mga nangyari nung hearing at kung ano pa ‘yung dapat puntahan … Marami pang hindi nauungkat at kung ito ay makakatulong, ang tingin niya siguro mas makakatulong ito sa ICI, Ombudsman at courts of justice,” Sotto explained.
According to Sotto, Lacson’s reconsideration came after hearing appeals from both fellow senators and the public.
“‘Yung clamor ng ibang mga kasamahan namin, ‘yung clamor rin ng publiko na naririnig ko, sinabi ko sa kanya,” he said.
Sotto also highlighted the importance of strengthening the proposed Independent People’s Commission (ICI) to bolster anti-corruption efforts, noting that Lacson’s leadership would play a key role in pursuing pending corruption cases.
He further mentioned that Senator Erwin Tulfo, the vice chair and acting head of the Blue Ribbon Committee, welcomed the potential return of Lacson.
“Natuwa siya na nagko-consider na si Senator Lacson uli na bumalik,” Sotto remarked.
Lacson resigned earlier this month, citing his decision to give way to another member after several colleagues expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of the inquiry into alleged “ghost” flood-control projects.
Sotto said the Blue Ribbon Committee will convene soon to formally discuss the matter of leadership and Lacson’s possible reinstatement.