Sotto bares list of possible Lacson successor as Blue Ribbon chair

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Sotto mentioned Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Pia Cayetano and Risa Hontiveros as among the names being floated for the position. (Vicente Tito Sotto/facebook)

MANILA – Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said several senators are being considered to head the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee following the decision of Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson to step down from his post.

In a brief exchange with reporters, Sotto mentioned Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Pia Cayetano and Risa Hontiveros as among the names being floated for the position.

Asked whether the next Blue Ribbon chair must be a lawyer, Sotto said this is “not a requirement.”

He added that the selection could be finalized as early as Wednesday after discussions in the majority caucus.

“Depende. Pwede later, finalize bukas (It depends. It could be finalized tomorrow),” Sotto said.

The Blue Ribbon Committee, formally known as the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, investigates alleged irregularities in government.

The new chair is expected to immediately oversee pending inquiries, including those involving alleged irregularities in public works and infrastructure spending.