Senator Lacson commends majority bloc colleagues for heeding call of duty

Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Wednesday commended his colleagues in the majority bloc for answering a higher calling, which is to fulfill their duty as legislators and uphold the integrity of the Senate.

Before moving to nominate Sen. Vicente Sotto III as Senate President Pro Tempore, Lacson underscored that this higher calling transcends not just personal or political ties, but also one's own self-interest.

"I think I will be remiss of my duty and responsibility as a senator, colleague, and friend, if I didn't thank and commend our two distinguished colleagues, Senator Chiz Escudero and Senator Joel Villanueva, for responding to their higher calling for this chamber, our beloved institution known as the Philippine Senate. Higher than their friendships. Their affiliations. And every individual member of this body. Even higher than themselves," he said.

The majority bloc led by new Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian attended Wednesday's special session of the Senate, with Escudero and Villanueva as the newest additions.

Gatchalian was elected Senate President Pro Tempore during the Senate's session last June 3, after Sen. Francis Escudero joined the 11 members of the then-minority to form a quorum.

Lacson was elected chairman of the Senate Committees on Accounts, Public Order and Illegal Drugs, and Ways and Means.

In his manifestation, Lacson put on record that he intentionally and voluntarily relinquished the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon Committee, for two primary reasons - "Number one, I am tired of losing old friends and creating new enemies. And number two, there are other colleagues who are equally, if not more qualified than this humble representation to take on the job."

"If there were no takers, I was willing, albeit, with a heavy heart to retain and continue sitting as chairman and resume a duty that I am morally and obligated to perform," he added.