Senate President Chiz Escudero and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada defended their decision to appoint Senator Rodante Marcoleta as chair of the influential Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, more commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee.
Questions had been raised over why Marcoleta, a first-term senator, was entrusted with such a powerful committee.
In an interview on ANC’s Headstart, Escudero explained that Marcoleta’s long legislative experience in the House of Representatives—serving as SAGIP Party-list Representative from 2016 to 2025 and Alagad Party-list Representative from 2004 to 2013—was a key factor in the decision.
“Senator Marcoleta is not a newcomer, in the Senate perhaps but not in the House,” Escudero said.
He added, “He’s a litigator, he’s a practicing lawyer and I think, neophyte or not, he will do a good job as the Blue Ribbon committee chair.”
Estrada echoed Escudero’s confidence in Marcoleta’s capabilities.
“Marcoleta is highly qualified to head the (Blue Ribbon) committee, he is fair,” Estrada said.