Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has made up his mind—he is stepping down as chairman of the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, and no amount of persuasion will change that.
“When I say ‘no,’ it’s ‘no.’ When I say ‘yes’ it’s ‘yes’… Final answer,” Lacson declared in an ambush interview on Tuesday, brushing aside appeals from colleagues.
Lacson tendered his resignation on Monday, pointing to growing dissatisfaction from fellow senators over the way he was handling the inquiry into alleged anomalous flood control projects.
He revealed that some colleagues accused him of targeting certain senators while supposedly protecting House members linked to the ghost and substandard projects.
But Lacson was quick to defend his integrity.
“There are no political considerations in my actions. I don’t need to amass political capital, especially since I have no plans of running for any post after my term ends in 2031.”
Despite this, a number of senators tried to convince him to stay.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan appealed to colleagues in the majority bloc to stand behind Lacson and “iron out differences” so he could continue leading the committee.
Senator Lito Lapid also expressed respect for Lacson’s decision, but admitted that his leadership is needed at the helm of the Blue Ribbon.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, meanwhile, has already named possible replacements: Pangilinan, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, Raffy Tulfo, and Risa Hontiveros.
But finding a successor might not be easy.
Ejercito politely declined the possibility, saying:
“Thank you for considering me, but I know my limits. Many others are more capable of leading this important committee.”
Tulfo also said he would decline the role if offered, explaining that his focus remains on the three committees he currently leads: Labor, Migrant Workers, and Public Services.
With Lacson standing firm and possible replacements bowing out, the future leadership of the Blue Ribbon Committee remains uncertain. But one thing is clear—Ping Lacson has closed the door on any reconsideration.
