Ping Lacson is new Senate accounts panel chair

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday was named as the new chairman of the Senate Committee on Accounts, replacing Senator Loren Legarda.

During the plenary session, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri moved to elect Lacson to the position, saying that Legarda gave her go signal. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III approved the motion after no senator objected. 

The Accounts panel is responsible for all matters relating to the auditing and adjustment of all accounts chargeable against the funds for the expenses and activities of the Senate.

“With a heavy but whole heart, I accept, Mr. President,” Lacson said. 

Lacson had also served as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Accounts during the 18th Congress. 

To recall, Lacson previously welcomed the plan to review the construction of the new Senate building in Taguig City amid concerns over its escalating costs.

The new building, envisioned as a permanent, modern headquarters for the Senate, was originally scheduled for completion in 2021. Construction delays, coupled with budget scrutiny and shifting leadership priorities, has posed a challenge to its completion.

Currently, the Senate occupies rented space at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) complex in Pasay City, which lawmakers have described as outdated and no longer conducive to efficient operations. —RF, GMA Integrated News