Senator Erwin acting as Blue Ribbon Committee chair – Sotto

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Erwin Tulfo has accepted the position of acting chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, according to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

Sotto announced this following a majority caucus regarding Senator Panfilo Lacson’s resignation as committee chairman.

Sotto stated that it is appropriate for Tulfo to handle the committee as he is the vice chairman.

Sotto also mentioned that five senators he initially named as possible replacements for Lacson declined the position.

The five senators are JV Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Pia Cayetano.

However, Sotto noted that the five remain “nominees” for the committee chairmanship.

Sotto added that Tulfo assured him he would only serve as “acting” chairman and not as permanent chairman of the committee.

“Yes, he accepted it. He just told me, ‘Just acting for now, okay?'” said Sotto.

Regarding Senator Imee Marcos questioning the suspension of hearings on anomalous flood control projects, Sotto stated that she should ask other senators who are also questioning why Senate hearings are being held when the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is already conducting an investigation.

“I think she better ask some of her colleagues… some of her colleagues are saying ‘Why are there hearings when ICI is already holding hearings?’ Maybe they should discuss it among themselves first,” said Sotto.