Senator Lacson Steps Down as Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman
Senator Panfilo Lacson has announced that he will resign as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, following upward concerns from several colleagues about how the probe into anomalous flood control projects has been handled. The move, he said, is intended to allow another member with broader support among peers to lead the committee as it continues to scrutinize the use of public funds.
Why the Resignation Was Considered
Lacson indicated that the decision comes after a number of senators expressed disappointment with the committee’s conduct of hearings and the handling of testimonies. Specifically, questions were raised about why former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Representative Zaldy Co were not invited to testify, in addition to concerns over public statements that insinuated broad budget insertions in the 2025 national budget.
“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 in a statement. He stressed that the decision does not reflect a retreat from his anti-corruption stance, but rather a strategy to maintain the committee’s credibility and effectiveness.
What Lacson Has Exposed and What Comes Next
Throughout his tenure as Blue Ribbon chair, Lacson has highlighted possible collusion involving Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects, private contractors, and some lawmakers in the allocation and execution of flood-control initiatives. He claimed that some projects were either substandard or nonexistent and that funds were skimmed off the top. He also noted challenges in maintaining objectivity amid a polarized political environment.
In his remarks, Lacson underscored that his resignation would allow a fresh approach to the investigation, while asserting that his broader fight against corruption would continue. He added that the DPWH’s proposed 2026 budget would still be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, with emphasis on caution during realignments, especially for locally funded infrastructure projects.
Senate Reactions and Political Context
The leadership and direction of the Senate have been under close watch as the 19th Congress navigates internal dynamics. Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri stated there is no disunity and highlighted improvements in caucus deliberations and decision-making under the current leadership. Zubiri’s remarks came after a circulating video raised questions about past sentiments; he stressed that times and circumstances have evolved and that the Senate is functioning more orderly than before.
Opposition voices, including the coalition Tindig Pilipinas, expressed support for the current Senate majority while criticizing moves that could complicate antipoverty and anti-corruption agendas. The group warned against political maneuvering that could derail accountability efforts, particularly those linked to the Duterte and Marcos administrations. Nevertheless, the broader sentiment within the Senate signals a preference for steady, rules-based oversight rather than personal alliances shaping committee actions.
What This Means for the Blue Ribbon Panel
With Lacson stepping aside, the Blue Ribbon Committee will appoint a new chair to oversee the flood control inquiry and related budget matters. The transition is seen as an opportunity to reaffirm the panel’s mission: to ensure transparency in public spending and to prevent misuse of funds for critical infrastructure projects like flood-control systems that affect millions of Filipinos.
Analysts and political observers will watch how the committee maintains momentum in its investigations and how it balances stakeholders’ expectations with the necessity of due process. While Lacson’s personal leadership style may be shifting, the imperative to uncover truth, enforce accountability, and safeguard public resources remains a central pillar of Senate oversight.
Conclusion
As the Senate navigates leadership changes, the flood-control inquiry continues to be a barometer of governance and integrity. Lacson’s resignation as Blue Ribbon chair marks a pivot rather than an end, signaling a renewed commitment to a robust, nonpartisan review of how infrastructure funds are spent and how responsible stewardship is ensured across agencies and political lines.
