MANILA – Senate President Vicente Sotto III said that Senator Panfilo Lacson is almost certain to return as chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, weeks after stepping down amid criticisms over his handling of the flood-control investigation.

In an interview with One PH, Sotto revealed that Lacson is open to reassuming the post, having reflected on past hearings and noting that several issues remain unresolved.

“Magkausap kami just a couple of days ago… I think it’s a yes. Definitely magkakaroon kami ng pagpupulong ng Blue Ribbon Committee … I think it’s very positive at this point,” Sotto said.

When asked if Lacson’s return is certain, Sotto replied, “99 percent.”

“Tiningnan niya siguro kung ano ‘yung mga nangyari nung hearing at kung ano pa ‘yung dapat puntahan … Marami pang hindi nauungkat at kung ito ay makakatulong, ang tingin niya siguro mas makakatulong ito sa ICI, Ombudsman at courts of justice,” Sotto added, referring to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and other investigating bodies.

According to Sotto, Lacson’s reconsideration was influenced by appeals from fellow senators and the public.

“’Yung clamor ng ibang mga kasamahan namin, ‘yung clamor rin ng publiko na naririnig ko, sinabi ko sa kanya,” he said.

Sotto emphasized that Lacson’s leadership would be crucial in strengthening the proposed Independent People’s Commission, which aims to complement the ICI’s work in pursuing pending corruption cases.

He also said Senator Erwin Tulfo, the committee’s vice chair and acting head, welcomed Lacson’s possible comeback.

“Natuwa siya na nagko-consider na si Senator Lacson uli na bumalik,” Sotto said.

Lacson resigned from the chairmanship earlier this month to allow another senator to lead the investigation after some colleagues expressed dissatisfaction with his management of the hearings on alleged ghost flood-control projects.

Sotto said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will convene soon to formally discuss the leadership issue. (PNA)