It’s official: Lacson quits as blue ribbon chairman

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson has officially resigned as chairman of the blue ribbon committee, denying any political motivation behind his handling of the investigation on alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

Lacson submitted his resignation on Monday, Oct. 6, and it was formally received by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

In his resignation letter, Lacson said his appointment as chairman was based on the confidence of the majority in the Senate. However, he noted that some senators have expressed disappointment over the committee probe.

“Furthermore, some senators publicly and secretly pursue the narrative that I am zeroing in on several of my colleagues while purportedly protecting those members of the Lower House perceived to be the principal actors in the budget anomalies related to the substandard and ghost flood control projects,” Lacson wrote.

Senators Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada, along with Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, resigned Rep. Zaldy Co and a number of other representatives have been accused of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects. All have denied the accusations.

Lacson, meanwhile, strongly refuted claims that he was singling out senators while sparing members of the House of Representatives

“These misrepresentations are being floated mostly by critics opposed to our efforts to get to the bottom of the flood control anomalies,” he said.

Lacson reiterated that his actions were driven by evidence - not by political noise.

He then addressed his colleagues: “there are no political considerations in any and all my actions related to my handling of the committee hearings and other related activities.”

Lacson said he has no reason to play politics as he plans to retire after his term ends in 2031.

“Truth is, I do not need to amass political capital much less at the expense of anybody because I entertain no further political plans after my term ends in 2031,” he added.

Lacson had initially announced his intent to resign on Sunday. At a press conference earlier on Monday, Sotto said he would support and accept Lacson’s final decision.

Sotto shared Lacson’s “frustration” with the situation but praised his performance as chairman. He mentioned that there are three to four senators who could take over the role, though he acknowledged it would be difficult to match Lacson’s leadership.