5 senators considered to replace Ping in Blue Ribbon

Five senators are being considered to replace Sen. Panfilo Lacson as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee following his decision to step down from the post, Senate President Vicente Sotto III revealed yesterday.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

According to Sotto, the shortlist includes Senators JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Francis Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros.

A caucus among the Senate majority is scheduled today to formally discuss the leadership vacancy created by Lacson's departure.

Despite strong public calls for Lacson to stay, Sotto admitted he was unable to convince the senator to reconsider.

He said that after several days, Lacson remained firm in his decision to step down from the chairmanship, although he will continue to sit in the committee as an ex-officio member by virtue of his position as Senate President Pro Tempore.

Sotto described Lacson as an objective investigator who follows the evidence, and not one who targets his fellow lawmakers arbitrarily.

However, he acknowledged that the intense scrutiny during the committee's probes left the former chair "frustrated." The vacancy follows tensions in the Senate after Lacson's remarks that nearly all senators had made insertions into the 2025 budget - a statement that initially caused friction among his colleagues but has since been addressed in a previous caucus.

Among those being considered for the post, Sen. JV Ejercito has expressed hesitation.

While grateful for the consideration, he admitted he would likely decline the offer, citing other senators who may be better suited to lead such an important committee.

Senator Raffy Tulfo also released a statement respectfully declining the position to focus on his current committee chairmanships in labor, migrant workers and public services, which are his main areas of advocacy.

Meanwhile, other senators continue to appeal to Lacson to reconsider his resignation, with some arguing that his leadership is crucial for maintaining the Senate's credibility, particularly in sensitive investigations.