Lacson ‘99%’ certain to return as Blue Ribbon chair – Sotto

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Lacson resigned from the post earlier this month, saying he wanted to give way to another member after some colleagues expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of the probe into alleged ghost flood control projects. (Ping Lacson/facebook)

MANILA – Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said Senator Panfilo Lacson is almost certain to return as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee after stepping down amid criticisms over his handling of the flood-control investigation.

In an interview with news channel One PH, Sotto said Lacson is open to resume leading the committee, prompted by his reflection on previous hearings and belief that several key issues remain unresolved.

“Magkausap kami just a couple of days ago… I think it’s a yes. Definitely magkakaroon kami ng pagpupulong ng Blue Ribbon Committee … I think it’s very positive at this point (We talked just a couple of days ago … I think it’s a yes. We’ll be having a Blue Ribbon Committee meeting soon… I think it’s very positive at this point),” Sotto said.

Asked if Lacson’s comeback is certain, Sotto replied, “99 percent.”

“Tiningnan niya siguro kung ano ‘yung mga nangyari nung hearing at kung ano pa ‘yung dapat puntahan … Marami pang hindi nauungkat at kung ito ay makakatulong, ang tingin niya siguro mas makakatulong ito sa ICI, Ombudsman at (He probably looked back at what happened during the hearings and what else needed to be pursued … There are still issues left uncovered and he thinks these could help the ICI, the Ombudsman and the) courts of justice,” Sotto said, referring to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and other investigating bodies.

Sotto said Lacson’s reconsideration came after hearing appeals from fellow senators and the public.

“’Yung clamor ng ibang mga kasamahan namin, ‘yung clamor rin ng publiko na naririnig ko, sinabi ko sa kanya (I told him about the clamor I’ve been hearing — both from our colleagues and from the public),” he said.

Sotto cited the importance of strengthening the proposed Independent People’s Commission to reinforce the ICI’s work, saying Lacson’s leadership would be vital in pursuing pending corruption cases.

Sotto said Senator Erwin Tulfo, the committee’s vice chair and acting head, welcomed Lacson’s possible return.

“Natuwa siya na nagko-consider na si Senator Lacson uli na bumalik (He was glad that Senator Lacson is considering returning),” he added.

Lacson resigned from the post earlier this month, saying he wanted to give way to another member after some colleagues expressed dissatisfaction with his handling of the probe into alleged ghost flood control projects.

Sotto said the Blue Ribbon Committee will convene soon to discuss the leadership matter formally.