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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson to replace Marcoleta as Senate Blue Ribbon panel chair, Sotto says

Lacson to replace Marcoleta as Senate Blue Ribbon panel chair, Sotto says

Published Sep 8, 2025 10:42 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III confirmed that Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson will replace Senator Rodante Marcoleta as chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee. Sotto stressed that the post is reserved for the majority bloc. Lacson is expected to continue the probe into the anomalous flood control projects.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson will replace Senator Rodante Marcoleta as the chairperson of the premier Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson discloses schemes surrounding a systemic problem in the country, the corruption as he avails his privilege speech to expose various anomalous projects and irregularities in government transactions amounting to trillion of pesos. (Senate PRIB photo)
Sen. Panfilo Lacson discloses schemes surrounding a systemic problem in the country, the corruption as he avails his privilege speech to expose various anomalous projects and irregularities in government transactions amounting to trillion of pesos. (Senate PRIB photo)
This was confirmed by newly-elected Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III in a Viber message late Monday night, Aug. 8, after he was asked if Marcoleta would continue to helm the committee.
"He is not a member of the majority. The Blue Ribbon is reserved for the majority," Sotto said.
Sotto clarified that there's "no such thing" in the Senate rules that states that a lawyer must sit as the chairperson. Lacson is not a lawyer. 
Sotto recalled that this first happened in the 9th Congress when the late Senator Heherson "Sonny" Alvarez assumed the position.
He also vouched for Lacson's capability, being a veteran lawmaker and a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who's no stranger to probing corruption.
"In fact, kung karaniwang lawyer lang, mas mahusay ang investigative prowess ni Sen. Lacson (If we're talking about an ordinary lawyer, Lacson's investigative prowess is far better). You can quote me. My institutional memory is intact," he said.
He added that Lacson, who exposed numerous anomalies in the country's flood control projects, will continue what the committee started with regard to its investigation.
Meanwhile, Sotto also confirmed that Gatchalian will remain as the chairperson of the Senate Finance Committee.
During Monday's plenary session, Sotto replaced Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero as Senate President, while Lacson became Senate President Pro Tempore, replacing Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada.

Related Tags

ping lacson Senate Blue Ribbon Committee rodante marcoleta Tito Sotto flood control
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