Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday stepped down as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation.
He cited the demands of his multiple roles as the reason for resigning and endorsed Sen. Risa Hontiveros to take over the committee.
“I have my hands full as chairman of the Blue Ribbon and Accounts Committees. I am also Senate President Pro Tempore. Sen. Hontiveros is amenable to chair the committee,” Lacson explained.
The veteran lawmaker discussed the transition with the majority bloc during a caucus earlier in the day, with Hontiveros agreeing to assume the chairmanship.
During Monday’s plenary session, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri formally announced Lacson’s intention to step down and filed a motion to elect Hontiveros as the committee’s new chair, who was then formally voted in.
“This committee will hear the anti-political dynasty bills that have already been filed in the Senate. We will continue the leadership initiatives started by Sen. Ping Lacson to advance measures that strengthen the role of citizens in our government,” Hontiveros said.
