Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has expressed his full support for Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson following the latter’s announcement of his resignation as chairman of the Senate Committee on Accountability, Public Officers and Investigations, more commonly known as the Blue Ribbon Committee.
In a press conference held on Monday, October 6, Sotto said that Lacson has been feeling frustrated amid criticisms directed at the Senate hearings he conducted.
“Sen. Lacson is frustrated,” Sotto said. “He is not stressed. Sanay sa stress ‘yon, e. Pero ang nakikita niya, frustrated because maghe-hearing siya, may umaangal. ‘Bakit naghe-hearing?’ ‘Pag ‘di siya nag-hearing, may umaangal. ‘Bakit hindi nag-he-hearing?’”
Sotto lauded Lacson’s performance as Blue Ribbon chair, saying that the senator handled the hearings well despite the pressure.
“I think the way he ran the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing is very good. So, siguro the man is frustrated,” he added.
Nonetheless, Sotto emphasized that he respects and supports Lacson’s decision.
“I will accept whatever decision he makes. And he has my 100% support, whatever it is,” he stated.
Earlier today, October 6, Lacson formally submitted his resignation letter, officially stepping down as chairperson of the Blue Ribbon Committee.