Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is considering stepping down as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, citing growing dissatisfaction among some of his colleagues, particularly within the majority bloc.
“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 told Super Radyo dzBB.
“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 maintained that he has managed the committee properly, but acknowledged that certain quarters have been stirring up trouble. He dismissed suggestions that the committee’s investigations were targeting specific senators, including Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva.
“If their frustration stems from the mention of certain senators’ names and they think they’re being singled out, I’ll say outright—that narrative is wrong,” Lacson asserted.
He said he may announce his resignation on the Senate floor before the chamber goes on recess.
Lacson stated that he is not that insensitive or stubborn to insist on staying as Blue Ribbon chairman.
Lacson also defended himself against accusations that he was grandstanding when he revealed that nearly all senators had made insertions or amendments to the 2025 national budget.
“Uulitin ko walang masama sa amendment. Ako mismo nag-a-amend. Ang masama sa implemenentasyon ay nakialam ka at humingi o tumanggap ka ng komisyon, yun ang masama,” Lacson emphasized.
“Pero the mere fact na nag-amend ka o nag-insert ka, wala pong masama. Constitutional mandate ng senator at congressman.I was only stating a fact na umabot sa mahigit P100 bilyon ang total. Anong masama roon?”
He reiterated that his “passion” is safeguarding the national budget, and that this has always been his main concern.
Lacson warned that excessive amendments to local infrastructure budgets could harm the economy and derail other priority government projects. (ZIA LUNA)
