Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is set to make a dramatic return as chairman of the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, just weeks after stepping down from the post amid controversy over flood control project investigations.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying the move came after growing calls from both senators and the public for Lacson to reclaim his position.
“Long story,” Sotto said. “In the course of our many conversations, it came to his attention that many of our colleagues and the public wanted him back.”
Lacson’s resignation on October 6 caught many by surprise. He cited dissatisfaction among some senators about the “direction” of the probe into alleged substandard and ghost flood control projects. After his exit, Senator Erwin Tulfo temporarily took over as acting chairperson.
But Lacson’s return may not come without a price. In a statement Monday, he warned that if he decides to take back the chairmanship, Sotto should be ready to face the consequences — including possible fallout within the majority bloc and even a challenge to his Senate presidency.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano urged Lacson not to involve the minority bloc in what he described as “internal struggles” of the majority.
“If they have squabbles, that’s fine — politics always has drama,” Cayetano said. “But let’s not turn the Senate into a teleserye. The Blue Ribbon Committee is not about personalities. It’s about serving the people and protecting the dignity of the institution.”
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee plays a crucial role in investigating corruption, misconduct, and issues of public interest across all branches and agencies of government.
As Lacson prepares to step back into one of the Senate’s most scrutinized roles, all eyes are now on how this return will reshape power — and whether it will bring resolution or more turmoil to an already divided chamber.
