MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson confirmed on Wednesday that a draft report from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee recommended charges against three sitting senators: Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, and Chiz Escudero.

The draft, which was leaked to the public on Tuesday, is not yet the official committee report. Lacson clarified that for it to become the formal Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) report, it must still be signed and approved by a majority of committee members.

“We are recommending them to undergo preliminary investigation, so why would we go against what is already happening?” Lacson told reporters, adding that there are no hard feelings between him and the senators named in the draft. He said he welcomed any discussions that may occur during the plenary session.

Other individuals recommended for charges in the draft include former Congressman Zaldy Co, former Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon, and former Senator Bong Revilla. Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was recommended for further inquiry, a lighter category compared to those more directly implicated.

At least four senators have signed the draft report—Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, and Lacson himself. Senators JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, and Migz Zubiri later withdrew their signatures, citing the need for more time to review the draft and proposed addenda. Ejercito, Estrada’s brother, said this prompted the withdrawals.

When asked about the potential fallout from the report, including the risk of losing leadership positions, Lacson said it was “part of the game.”