Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson announced Monday that he will relinquish the chairmanship of the Senate committee on electoral reforms to Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, allowing her to lead deliberations on measures seeking to ban political dynasties and overhaul the party-list system.
Lacson explained that his decision stemmed from his heavy workload, particularly his leadership of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is investigating alleged anomalies in flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Ire-relinquish ko mamaya kay Sen. Risa kasi puno ako sa blue ribbon,” Lacson told reporters, noting that his duties as Senate President Pro Tempore also influenced his move.
Asked if Hontiveros was willing to take on the role, Lacson said she did not object.
“Amenable naman si Sen. Risa to chair it,” he added.
The electoral reforms committee is expected to tackle proposals to reform the party-list system and advance the long-delayed bill banning political dynasties.
A public hearing on the measures has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, to be conducted jointly with the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, chaired by Senator Kiko Pangilinan.