Senate Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Senator Raffy Tulfo, and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan have all declined the possibility of leading the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is currently investigating the alleged irregularities in flood control projects across the country.
Their statements came after the resignation of Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who stepped down as committee chair earlier this week.
Ejercito, while expressing gratitude for being considered, said he believes others are more qualified to handle the influential post.
“Salamat sa konsiderasyon para maging Chairman ng Blue Ribbon Committee pero alam ko ang limitasyon ko. Mas maraming mas may kakayanan na mag-Chair ng importanteng Committee na ito,” Ejercito told reporters on Tuesday, October 7.
Senator Raffy Tulfo echoed a similar sentiment, saying he was honored by the mention of his name but preferred to stay focused on his current committee work.
“I’m very flattered that my name is being considered among four other senators for the prestigious Blue Ribbon Committee chairmanship,” Tulfo said.
“However, if offered to me, I will humbly decline for the simple reason that I don’t want to lose focus on my three committee chairmanships that are my main advocacies—Labor, Migrant Workers, and Public Services.”
For his part, Senator Pangilinan also declined the offer, citing his existing workload and committee responsibilities.
“I must say, however, that considering that I now sit as Chairman of three Senate Committees, it would be unwise to accept a fourth committee, moreso the powerful BRC,” Pangilinan said.
Pangilinan also expressed hope that Lacson would reconsider his decision to resign, recognizing his leadership in handling sensitive investigations.
Earlier, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III revealed that the five senators being considered to succeed Lacson include Risa Hontiveros, Pia Cayetano, Raffy Tulfo, JV Ejercito, and Kiko Pangilinan.
Lacson stepped down as Blue Ribbon chair after admitting he had lost the trust of some of his colleagues, saying it might be best to let someone else lead the powerful investigative body.