Pia Cayetano elected Senate blue ribbon chairperson

Senator Pia Cayetano is the new chairperson of the Senate committee on accountability of public officers and investigations, or the Blue Ribbon committee.

This developed Wednesday after acting Senate Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva nominated Cayetano following the reorganization of the chamber. No objection was made.

Cayetano will replace Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who steered the Senate's probe into the flood control scandal.

This is the second time Cayetano will take helm of the powerful Blue Ribbon committee. In 2024, Cayetano became its chairperson following the resignation of then-Senator Francis Tolentino.

In a press statement, Cayetano thanked the Senate leadership for its trust and confidence in her, adding that she will begin reviewing the matters that have been referred to the committee.

"Given the many ongoing issues affecting our country and our people, including the ongoing energy crisis, households struggling to make ends meet, and the rising cost of doing business, I will determine what matters will be prioritized by the Blue Ribbon Committee. Updates will be provided in due course," she said.

Other elected chairpersons were:

• Foreign Relations - Senator Imee Marcos
• Environment - Senator Camille Villar
• GOCCs - Senator Camille Villar
• Constitutional Amendments - Senator Robin Padilla
• Justice and Human Rights -- Rodante Marcoleta

— AOL/RSJ, GMA News