Senator Erwin Tulfo will temporarily serve as acting chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed Wednesday, Oct.r 8, following a caucus of the majority bloc.
“The majority decided to appoint the vice chairman as acting chairman muna,” Sotto said in a chance interview, noting that Tulfo accepted the role after a phone call.
Sotto clarified that the appointment does not require plenary approval, as Tulfo already serves as the committee’s vice chair.
A formal “blue ribbon meeting” will be held upon Tulfo’s return, during which the bloc will discuss who should permanently head the panel.
Tulfo will remain acting chair until a full meeting of the majority bloc is convened.
Sotto added that while five senators had previously been floated as potential chairs, none have expressed willingness to take on the role.
He also noted that most members of the majority still prefer Senator Panfilo Lacson to lead the committee.
“At the moment ayaw, plus Senator Lacson,” he said.
“Ang sinasabi nila is very busy sila dun sa mga hearings nila eh, halos lahat dalawa, tatlong committee na hinahawakan nila na very important major committees. So what they are saying is they don’t have time for it right now,” he added.
Lacson and Tulfo were not present during the caucus.
The Senate leader earlier said that Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros are being considered for the role.
Sotto said in a separate statement that Senator Erwin is also a “good choice” as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
“He has expertise and experience in investigative journalism. Matapang pa,” he added. (Dhel Nazario)
