Senator Erwin Tulfo (Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
MANILA — The Senate has named Senator Erwin Tulfo as acting chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee following Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s decision to step down from the post, which he described as final.
Senate President Pro Tempore Tito Sotto confirmed the designation on Wednesday, saying the majority bloc agreed to let Tulfo temporarily lead the chamber’s main investigative body while it deliberates on a permanent replacement.
“This is part of the internal adjustment process,” Sotto said, adding that the committee’s work would continue even as the Senate reviews its leadership lineup.
Tulfo, who previously served as the committee’s vice chair, said he intends to continue ongoing inquiries once sessions resume
“We will pursue the hearings when the proper documents are ready and invite those who need to appear,” Tulfo told reporters, referring to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, two names earlier identified as potential witnesses.
Lacson says resignation is final
Lacson formally tendered his resignation early this week, saying he wanted to give way to another member after learning that several colleagues had expressed dissatisfaction with how he handled hearings on alleged anomalies in government flood-control projects.
“Rightly or wrongly, when quite a number of them have expressed disappointment over how I’m handling the flood-control project anomalies, I thought it’s time for me to step aside in favor of another member who they think can handle the committee better,” Lacson said.
He clarified that his decision was not a retreat from his long-standing anti-corruption advocacy.
“I will continue to fight a corrupt and rotten system in the misuse and abuse of public funds,” he said.
Lacson reiterated later that his resignation was “final” but emphasized that committee chairs “serve at the pleasure of one’s colleagues.”
Flood-control probe to continue
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is investigating flood-control contracts valued at more than ₱545 billion since 2022, focusing on alleged ghost, overpriced, or substandard projects in Bulacan and Central Luzon. Witnesses have testified on supposed irregularities, though those named have denied wrongdoing.
Parallel government reviews remain underway:
- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created under Executive Order No. 94, is pursuing an executive-branch investigation into public-works anomalies.
- The Commission on Audit (COA) has launched fraud audits after citizen complaints filed through Sumbong sa Pangulo.
- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has reduced flood-control allocations in its 2026 proposal pending results of the probes.
- The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBOs) for persons linked to the projects, while the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it is verifying travel records.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said investigations must proceed “based on evidence and due process” and that “no one will be spared” if wrongdoing is proven.
Search for a permanent chair
Senate leaders have yet to name a permanent Blue Ribbon chair. Among those mentioned by colleagues as possible successors are Pia Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, JV Ejercito, Kiko Pangilinan, and Raffy Tulfo, though some have already declined the post.
Sotto said the majority caucus will meet again next week to decide on the final appointment, but assured the public that the investigation into the ₱545-billion flood-control program will proceed under Senate oversight.
