Lacson 'frustrated' over senators' comment on blue ribbon hearings — Sotto

Senate President Pro-Tempore Ping Lacson is “frustrated” over some senators’ remarks on his handling of the legislative inquiry on the allegedly anomalous flood control projects, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said Monday.

Lacson, chairperson of the Senate blue ribbon Committee, has led the continuing hearings on the alleged anomalous flood management projects. Over the weekend, Lacson said he is stepping down as panel chief due to alleged dissatisfaction from other senators.

“Senator Lacson is frustrated…because pag-he-hearing siya may umaangal. Bakit nag-hi-hearing? ‘Pag hindi siya nag-he-hearing may umaangal. Ba't hindi nag-he-hearing? Ano ba talaga?” Sotto told reporters during a press briefing.

(Senator Lacson is frustrated because if he continues the hearing, some would argue and ask why he would do that. If he won’t, others would also retaliate.)

“I think the way he ran the blue ribbon committee hearings were very good. So siguro, the man is frustrated. I will support whatever decision he makes and I will accept whatever decision he makes and he has my 100% support, whatever it is,” he said.

Lacson earlier said he is resigning as chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee due to alleged dissatisfaction from other senators. He also said Senate committee chairpersons serve at the pleasure of their colleagues who elected them.

“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,” he said.

He added: “No amount of criticisms from misinformed netizens and partisan sectors can distract or pressure me from doing my job right, but when my own peers start expressing their group or individual sentiments, maybe it is best to vacate."

Sotto said he has yet to receive a formal resignation letter from Lacson. However, if he formally steps down, Sotto believes at least three to four other senators can serve as the new chairperson of the anti-corruption panel.

“There are 3 to 4 members of the Senate who I think would be able to handle it also. Mahirap sundan din ang footsteps ni Sen. Lacson,” he added.

(There are 3 to 4 members of the Senate who I think would be able to handle it also but it would be hard to follow his footsteps.)

DOJ hopes Lacson won’t resign

When sought for comment, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he hopes that Lacson will not continue his resignation.

“Sana hindi na niya ituloy yung kanyang pag re-resign sa Blue Ribbon, but that’s the business of the Senate. It’s an independent body,” he said in an ambush interview.

(I hope he doesn’t push through with his resignation from the Blue Ribbon, but that’s the business of the Senate. It’s an independent body.)

He said that Lacson is one of the best investigators in the country and considers his resignation as a “loss.”

“Malaking tulong kasi ang kanyang ginawang investigation,” he said.

(It’s a big help because of the investigation he conducted.)

“It will be missed for sure,” he later added.

Should he follow through with his resignation, Remulla said he will still seek advice from Lacson. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News