Senator Erwin Tulfo was elected as the new chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, replacing Senator Pia Cayetano during Wednesday's Senate session.
Cayetano had led the committee since a leadership reshuffle announced on May 20.
The Blue Ribbon Committee is responsible for conducting Senate investigations into alleged government corruption, misconduct by public officials, and other matters of public interest.
The election of Tulfo came after the Senate declared a quorum and elected a new Senate President Pro Tempore as part of an internal reorganization of committee leadership.
Tulfo will now oversee the committee's ongoing inquiries, including the Senate investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control projects controversy. The committee has been examining allegations of corruption and irregularities in flood control projects implemented across the country.
His appointment comes despite Cayetano having already issued formal invitations to resource persons for a scheduled subcommittee hearing on June 4.
Those invited include former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and 18 individuals who identified themselves as former members of the Philippine Marines. The hearing is expected to focus on issues related to the continuing investigation into the country's flood control projects.
In the same Senate session, several senators were elected to head key committees as part of the chamber's reorganization.
Senator JV Ejercito was elected chairperson of the Committee on Finance, while Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was named chairperson of the Committee on National Defense.
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was elected to lead both the Committee on Public Order and the Committee on Accounts.
Aside from the Blue Ribbon Committee, Tulfo was also elected chairperson of the Committee on Social Welfare and Rural Development.
Senator Raffy Tulfo was chosen to head the Committee on Public Services, Senator Bam Aquino was elected chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, and Senator Kiko Pangilinan was named chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture.
Senator Risa Hontiveros was elected chairperson of the Committee on Health, Senator Lito Lapid will lead the Committee on Games and Amusements, while Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero was elected chairperson of the Committee on Housing.
Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri was elected chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Relations.
The leadership changes form part of the Senate's continuing reorganization following the opening of the new Congress.
