By Wilnard Bacelonia | Philippine News Agency
The Senate majority bloc has designated Senator Erwin Tulfo as acting chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee following the resignation of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III announced Wednesday.
Sotto said the decision was reached during a caucus of the majority senators, “The majority decided that we make the vice chairperson the acting chairperson—Senator Erwin Tulfo. So, I called him and he accepted the post.”
He said there is no need for a plenary confirmation, as Tulfo automatically assumes the role of vice chairperson in the absence of the committee head.
Sotto said, “You don’t need to do that in the plenary because Erwin is the vice chairperson. Therefore, in the absence of the chairperson, he automatically becomes the acting chairperson.”
The Senate President added that Tulfo would serve in an acting capacity until the majority convenes again to choose a permanent chairperson.
He said, “We’re not discounting any of the five names that were mentioned. We’re still thinking, and some of them, I think, would want to appeal to Senator Lacson.”
Sotto assured that the Blue Ribbon Committee’s flood control hearings would continue despite the leadership transition, “Tuloy ’yon. The Blue Ribbon is always alive. That’s the only committee na may motu proprio power.”
He clarified that the Senate remains operational even during its break, noting that the break allows committees, particularly the Committee on Finance, to continue hearings almost daily.
Tulfo, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence given by his colleagues, vowing to uphold the committee’s mandate.
He said, “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa tiwala ni Senate President Tito Sotto at ng mga kasama natin sa Senado na maging acting chairman tayo ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.”
He added that the Blue Ribbon Committee plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in government, “Batid ko po na maraming kababayan natin ang umaasa sa komiteng ito na imbestigahan ang lahat ng mga nagsamantala sa pera ng bayan, ano pa man ang katungkulan nila sa pamahalaan o kulay ng politika.”
Tulfo said he was looking forward to the appointment of a permanent chairperson soon to ensure continuity and confidence in the committee’s work. (PNA)
