SENATE President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson said on Sunday that he is seriously considering stepping down as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee amid growing dissatisfaction among some of his colleagues regarding his handling of ongoing investigations.
In an interview with radio dzBB, Lacson acknowledged the sentiments aired by fellow senators, including JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian, saying he has reflected on the matter deeply.
“Kung nagkukulang na ng pagtitiwala ang aking kasamahan, especially kung mas marami sa kanila, hindi na masaya sa pagha-handle sa akin sa blue ribbon, naisip ko na maybe stepping down is an option,” Lacson said.
“Dahil sa mga naririnig ko na pahiwatig ng aking mga kasamahan eh isa sa mga konsiderasyon ko, mag-move o mag-submit na lang ng aking resignation bilang chairperson at humanap sila ng ibang puwede mag-chairman ng blue ribbon committee,” he added.
Lacson stressed that his position depends solely on the confidence of his peers in the Senate.
All chairpersons serve at the pleasure of the members, not the president, not the public, he added.
The senator said he is preparing a letter to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to formalize his intent to vacate the post.
Meanwhile, Lacson confirmed that the committee’s scheduled hearing on the alleged flood control anomalies, set for October 8, has been postponed “until further notice.”
He explained that critical documents — including supposed “tell-all” affidavits related to the case — were still unavailable.
