Senate member Lacson set to replace Marcoleta as chair of the blue ribbon committee - Sotto
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has been appointed as the new chairman of the powerful blue ribbon committee, replacing Senator Rodante Marcoleta. This change comes amid an ongoing investigation into anomalous government flood control projects in the Philippines.
Lacson, a well-known senator for his investigative prowess, led several high-profile probes into government projects, including exposing a corruption scheme involving the flood control projects in a privilege speech on August 20. His appointment as chair of the blue ribbon committee is expected to be formalized during a plenary session.
The blue ribbon committee is traditionally reserved for the majority, but Marcoleta, a Duterte-allied lawmaker and Senate greenhorn, was given the position in exchange for his support of Escudero's bid for the Senate presidency. However, Marcoleta is not a member of the majority, making him ineligible to hold the position.
Lacson's appointment comes after Senate President Vicente 'Tito' Sotto III's election as Senate president, which replaced ousted Senator Chiz Escudero. Sotto secured the support of 15 senators to assume the Senate leadership.
Centreways Construction and Development Incorporated, a company linked to the anomalous government flood control projects, was named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as one of the 15 contractors that cornered multi-billion-peso contracts across the country in the last three years. The company's president, Lawrence Lubiano, contributed P30 million to Escudero's campaign.
Senator Lacson is renowned for his exposés and thorough research, particularly on the misuse of public funds. His appointment as chair of the blue ribbon committee is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the investigation into the flood control projects and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing.
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