Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is set to replace Senator Rodante Marcoleta as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairperson, Senate President Vincente “Tito” Sotto III said on Monday evening, September 8.

The development comes after Sotto reclaimed the Senate presidency from Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. With the change in leadership, the former stated, “Marcoleta is not part of the majority.”

However, Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian will retain his position as chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Sotto formally took oath as Senate President the same day, after 15 senators moved to oust Escudero.

Consequently, Lacson and Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also took their oath as Senate President Pro Tempore and Committee on Rules Chairperson, respectively.

This shift comes amid the Senate’s ongoing investigation into the anomalies surrounding the substandard flood control projects.

Contractors Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Sarah Discaya earlier linked some lawmakers and government officials to the said projects, prompting officials to question corrupt practices within government offices.