Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Monday said that Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson was frustrated after sensing that several senators were dissatisfied with his leadership of the Blue Ribbon Committee’s ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities of the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) flood control projects.
"Senator Lacson is frustrated," Sotto told reporters in a press conference.
"He is not stressed. Sanay sa stress ‘yun eh. Pero ang nakikita niya, frustrated because, maghi-hearing siya, may umaangal bakit naghi-hearing. ‘Pag hindi siya nag-hearing, may umaangal bakit hindi naghi-hearing. Ano ba talaga?" he added.
Sotto confirmed that he and Lacson have already spoken about the matter, but he has not yet received any formal resignation letter.
"Wala pa naman siyang pinapadalang sulat, or I think he wants to do that personally," Sotto said.
Despite the uncertainty over Lacson’s next move, Sotto praised his colleague’s leadership, saying the committee has been well managed under Lacson’s watch. He added that he will fully support whatever decision Lacson makes.
"I think the way [Lacson] ran the Blue Ribbon committee hearings was very good," Sotto said.
"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.
Sotto also said that should Lacson decide to step down, three to four senators are qualified to assume the post. However, he noted that replacing Lacson would not be easy.
"Mahirap sundan yung footsteps ni Senator Lacson," Sotto remarked.
The Senate President emphasized that even if Lacson steps down, the committee hearings on the flood control issue will continue.
On October 5, Lacson said he decided to step down after sensing that several senators were dissatisfied with his leadership of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, particularly in its investigation into alleged irregularities in the government’s flood control projects.
