Sotto names 5 possible candidates for Blue Ribbon chair

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senate President Tito Sotto named five possible candidates to chair the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee after the resignation of Sen. Ping Lacson.

Sotto bared the list on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and previously said a final decision may be made on Wednesday.

The five names floated were Sen. Pia Cayetano, Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, and Sen. Raffy Tulfo.

Cayetano previously held the position under then-Senate President Chiz Escudero–this was before the shake-up that installed Sotto to the Senate presidency.

Ejercito, although grateful for the consideration, said he told Sotto he is not fit to lead the powerful panel.

“Sabi ko sana iba na lang. Kasi mas maraming mas may kakayanan [I told him I hope it goes to someone else who is more competent],” he said, as he shared his hope that Lacson will reconsider his resignation from the powerful panel.

Lacson stepped down from the Blue Ribbon chairmanship amid disappointment from majority senators over his handling of the flood control investigation.

Ejercito previously said he considered leaving the majority bloc as he felt the direction of the investigation was “burning down our own house.”

Sotto expressed support for Lacson, saying he understands his frustration and that Lacson’s recommendation for a successor will carry significant weight.