Lacson replaces Marcoleta as Senate Blue Ribbon chair

Metro Manila, Philippines - Sen. Ping Lacson, the new Senate President Pro Tempore, will now head the chamber’s Blue Ribbon committee and continue the investigation into alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects.

Sen. Tito Sotto, who rose to the Senate presidency in a surprising shake-up on Monday, Sept. 8, confirmed Lacson will replace Sen. Rodante Marcoleta as the chairperson of the powerful committee.

“He (Marcoleta) is not a member of the majority. The Blue Ribbon is reserved for the majority,” Sotto said.

Sotto also replied to netizens’ calls to let Sen. Risa Hontiveros lead the Blue Ribbon committee.

“Risa herself prefers Ping the investigator,” he said on X. 

Sotto said Lacson will continue the flood control investigation started by Marcoleta.

The blue ribbon probe was triggered by Lacson’s privilege speech, where he alleged that flood control projects were funded through congressional insertions and were either substandard, incomplete, or entirely non-existent. https://www.newswatchplus.ph/news/2025/8/20/lacson-bares-substandard-ghost-flood-control-projects.html

The committee has conducted three hearings so far, with several contractors facing the senators, including Sarah and Curlee Discaya. During the Sept. 8 hearing, the couple accused several members of the House of Representatives and Department of Public Works and Highways officials of demanding money in exchange for awarding government projects. 

Sotto said the Senate will still study the request of the Discayas for witness protection.