Senator Pia Cayetano is treading carefully on whether to assume the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, saying she wants to seek clarity and balance before taking on what she described as a defining responsibility for public accountability.
Currently leading the Committees on Energy and on Ways and Means, Cayetano said on Wednesday, October 8, she plans to use the congressional break to reflect and discern whether she can shoulder the heavy workload the position demands.
She confirmed that her name surfaced during a Senate majority caucus but clarified that no formal offer has been made.
Cayetano acknowledged the importance of the post and said it requires not only competence but also readiness to take on sensitive investigations, including those involving alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
She emerged as one of the five senators shortlisted by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to replace Senator Panfilo Lacson, who earlier resigned from the post.
While confident in her leadership capabilities, Cayetano said the role should be entrusted to the most suitable person, stressing that the committee’s work plays a vital part in safeguarding transparency and integrity in governance.
Also shortlisted for the position are Senators Risa Hontiveros, JV Ejercito, and Raffy Tulfo. Tulfo said he would decline the offer if given, while Ejercito expressed gratitude for being considered but admitted his current limitations in taking on the role.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.