SENATOR Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has resigned from his position as chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee following criticism regarding his handling of the Senate’s ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood-control projects.
Lacson stated that he decided to step down after several of his colleagues expressed disappointment with his leadership of the probe.
“Rightly or wrongly, when quite a number of them have expressed disappointment over how I’m handling the flood control project anomalies, I thought it’s time for me to step aside in favor of another member who they think can handle the committee better,” Lacson said.
He also cited disappointment expressed by Senators JV Ejercito and Win Gatchalian as a factor in his decision.
Lacson revealed his intention to resign in an interview, stating that he would formally submit his resignation letter once the Senate resumes its session.
He also addressed accusations of targeting some colleagues while protecting others, specifically mentioning former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako-Bicol partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, who have been heavily implicated by contractors as “masterminds” of the anomalous flood-control projects.
Despite his resignation, Lacson vowed to continue fighting corruption, stating, “Nevertheless, I will continue to fight a corrupt and rotten system in the misuse and abuse of public funds as I have consistently done in the course of my long years in public service.”
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