Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri said on Wednesday, Dec. 20, that the new chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee will have big shoes to fill following Senato Francis Tolentino's confirmation that he will soon vacate the post.

In a statement, Zubiri said that Tolentino’s leadership of the Blue Ribbon Committee has been an efficient and productive one, Under his capable hands, the panel has effectively exercised its power and mandate to investigate in aid of legislation matters involving the accountability of public officers, Zubiri said.

"As much as we regret the decision of Senator Francis Tolentino to step down as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, we accept this with utmost respect and understanding," he said.

"We are certain that during the period covering the change of leadership in the committee, he will be most willing to help the panel in its transition," he added.

Zubiri said that finding a replacement will be the subject of exhaustive consultations with his colleagues in the Senate.

"Sen. Tolentino has left big shoes to fill, but I am sure we can find a suitable replacement in our rolls of brilliant lawyers in the chamber," he stated.

The senators who could replace Tolentino are Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Sonny Angara.

Tolentino confirmed on Tuesday, Dec. 19, that he will vacate the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee post in fulfillment of a "sacred commitment" to serve for a concise term of one and a half years.

"I find it both a duty and an honor to uphold the essence of a prior agreement. This decision is rooted in a deep-seated belief that public office demands fidelity to pledges made," Tolentino, who will also finish serving as member of the Commission on Appointments (CA), he said in a statement.

Tolentino also noted that upholding the commitment is in sync with the “evolving contextual conditions” such as the pressing need to focus on the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, which he also chairs.  

Despite ending his term, he expressed willingness to “serve in any capacity” to help the Senate leadership and the entire administration.