Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III announced that several senators are being considered to head the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson decided to step down from the role.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto identified Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Raffy Tulfo, Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan, Pia Cayetano, and Risa Hontiveros as potential candidates for the position. When asked if the next Blue Ribbon chair needs to be a lawyer, Sotto clarified that it is 'not a requirement.'

Sotto mentioned that the decision could be made as early as Wednesday following discussions in the majority caucus. He stated, 'Depende. Pwede later, finalize bukas (It depends. It could be finalized tomorrow).'

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, formally known as the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, plays a crucial role in investigating alleged irregularities within the government. The new chair will be expected to immediately oversee ongoing inquiries, particularly those related to alleged irregularities in public works and infrastructure spending.