LACSON TO RETURN AS SENATE BLUE RIBBON CHAIR AMID FLOOD CONTROL PROBE CONTROVERSY

Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed that Panfilo Lacson will return as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee when the session resumes in November. Lacson previously resigned amid criticism from fellow senators who accused him of targeting them while allegedly protecting House members involved in flood control project anomalies—an accusation he strongly denied. His return comes amid public and internal clamor for him to lead the probe into alleged budget irregularities, with Sotto expressing full support despite potential political fallout. Lacson warned that resuming the role could cost Sotto his Senate presidency, but Sotto said he is willing to take that risk in the fight against corruption. The controversy centers on P100 billion in budget insertions and growing tensions within the Senate majority bloc.