Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said Senator Panfilo Lacson is almost certain to return as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
However, Lacson, currently Senate President Pro Tempore, cautioned that such a move could cost the majority bloc some members and even undermine Sotto’s leadership.
Sotto said Lacson was open to reassuming the contentious position after reflecting on his earlier decision to step down amid criticisms over his handling of the flood control investigation.
“I think it’s very positive at this point…99 percent. He probably looked back at what happened during the hearings and considered what still needs to be pursued, as there are still many issues that remain undisclosed,” Sotto said.
He said Lacson’s possible reconsideration came after appeals from colleagues and the public who want him to resume the investigation on the flood control scandal.
Sotto also said Lacson’s leadership would be instrumental in reinforcing the proposed Independent People’s Commission which aims to strengthen its oversight function.
Lacson resigned as head of the Blue Ribbon on Oct. 6, citing dissatisfaction among senators with the direction of panel’s inquiry into alleged ghost flood control projects.
In a separate statement, Lacson confirmed discussing the potential consequences of his return with Sotto, saying both must be prepared for the political fallout it may create.
He warned that his actions and decisions as chairman could result in losing some members of the majority bloc and, consequently, Sotto’s leadership of the Senate.
“A simple, practical question crossed my mind when I decided to resign last October 6: What BRC chairmanship are we talking about if we lose the majority to the current Cayetano-led minority bloc?” he said.
“Having said all that, if I decide to get back the BRC chairmanship, that question will no longer be a factor,” Lacson added.
The Senate adjourned on Oct. 10 for the Undas break without any leadership changes despite speculations about a possible shake-up.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, earlier urged Sotto and Lacson not to involve the minority bloc in what he described as an internal dispute within the majority.
Cayetano asserted that Lacson’s resignation as head of the Blue Ribbon stemmed from dissatisfaction within the majority, not from pressure by the minority, adding that the committee should focus on accountability, not politics.
