Senator Robinhood Padilla said the return of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee would help restore stability and credibility to the chamber’s investigations.
In a Facebook post, Padilla expressed gratitude that Lacson, a member of the majority bloc, accepted the position once again, saying his leadership would prevent partisan conflict within the committee.
“Magpasalamat na rin po tayo at siya ang muling tagapangulo ng komite ng Blue Ribbon mula sa Majority bloc, kesa po sa ibang mga senador na batid natin at lantaran ang kulay ng pulitika, na maaring pagmulan ng mas mainit na palitan ng mga putik na mas magbabaon sa Senado sa kumunoy,” he said.
Padilla urged senators and the public to trust Lacson’s leadership, saying it would ensure professionalism and fairness in the committee’s oversight functions.
“Manalig po muna tayo sa magiging muling takbo ng pamumuno ni Senator Panfilo Lacson,” he added.
He acknowledged that some minority members preferred Senator Rodante Marcoleta for the post but noted that only the majority bloc has the authority to appoint committee chairs.
“Hindi po natin maipipilit ang kagustuhan natin dahil wala po sa minority ang kapangyarihan para magtalaga ng tagapangulo ng komite,” Padilla said.
Calling for calm amid disagreements, he reminded his colleagues to avoid political mudslinging.
“Ano man ang ating kulay sa pulitika, batid ko na mahirap humiling ng kalma, pero hindi po makakatulong sa Senado kung tayo ay magpupukulan pa ng mga putik sa kung sino ang mamuno sa imbestigasyon,” he said.