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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lacson gives up blue ribbon chairmanship, Escudero opts out of panel

Lacson gives up blue ribbon chairmanship, Escudero opts out of panel

Published Jun 17, 2026 01:05 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson said he is voluntarily relinquishing the chairmanship of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, one of the most powerful panels in the Upper Chamber, saying others senators are qualified to run it.
  • Sen, Francis "Chiz"Escudero has decided not to be included as a member of the Senate blue ribbon panel.

Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday, June 17 announced he is voluntarily relinquishing the chairmanship of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, one of the most powerful panels in the Upper Chamber. 

Lacson made the manifestation hours after the Senate majority formally elected Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as the Senate President after an intense leadership struggle in the past few weeks. 

“I…wish to put on record that I intentionally and voluntarily relinquished the chairmanship of what is known or often referred to as the most powerful committee, the Blue Ribbon, for two primary reasons,” Lacson said when he nominated Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to the position of Senate President Pro Tempore.

“Number one, I am tired of losing old friends and creating new enemies. And number two, there are other colleagues who are equally, if not more qualified than this humble representation to take on the job,” Lacson said. 

“If there were no takers, I was willing, albeit, with a heavy heart to retain and continue sitting as chairman and resume a duty that I am morally and obligated to perform,” the lawmaker said. 

Lacson also thanked Senators Joel Villanueva and Francis “Chiz” Escudero for joining the majority bloc to put an end to the leadership struggle. Both Escudero and Villanueva are implicated in the flood control mess. 

Currently, the Senate blue ribbon panel is tasked to investigate the flood control scandal. Sen. Erwin Tulfo now chairs the said committee.

“I think I will be remiss of my duty and responsibility as a senator, colleague, and friend, if I didn't thank and commend our two distinguished colleagues, Senator Chiz Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, for responding to their higher calling for this chamber, our beloved institution known as the Philippine Senate. Higher than their friendships. Their affiliations. And every individual member of this body. Even higher than themselves,” he said. 

Escudero, meanwhile has decided not to be included as a member of the Senate blue ribbon panel. 

According to reinstalled Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, all 13 members of the new majority bloc will be sitting on the blue ribbon committee except for Escudero who requested to be removed from the powerful panel. 

Related Tags

Ping Lacson Chiz Escudero Special Session Blue Ribbon Committee flood control anomalies
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