The Senate is looking for a replacement for Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee after he resigned, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said. The shortlist includes Senators JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Francis Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. A caucus will be held today to discuss the vacant position.
Although many have asked Lacson to stay, the senator has remained steadfast. According to Sotto, Lacson is known as an objective investigator and does not go after fellow senators lightly. However, he admitted that Lacson is feeling frustration due to the intense investigation of the committee.
On the other hand, some senators like JV Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo decided not to accept the position. They said other senators were more qualified to lead the committee. Meanwhile, hearings on flood control projects were temporarily suspended and will resume after the congressional break in November.
A perjury case has been filed against Brice Ericson Hernandez, former DPWH assistant engineer, by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. According to Estrada, Hernandez intentionally made false and defamatory statements against him. If proven, this could result in imprisonment and permanent disqualification from holding office.
Amid a leadership change and court cases, former Sen. Richard Gordon called for a more aggressive investigation into the flood control projects controversy. He urged prosecutors and government agencies to act quickly, so that the public's search for justice is not delayed.
