Senator Francis 'Tol' Tolentino on Wednesday, Dec. 20, said his resignation from the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Commission on Appointments (CA) was part of the prior agreement with the Senate leadership that he chose to honor.
Interviewed during DZRH Damdaming Bayan, Tolentino said they had agreed that he would only seat in the two positions for a year and a half.
"Hindi naman talaga resignation kasi may agreement na the end of the year, 1 and a half years, bababa ako kasi 'yon ang kasunduan sa Commission on Appointments. At doon sa pagiging chairman sa Blue Ribbon, 1 and a half years. Tumutupad lang tayo sa usapan, lalaki naman tayo mag-usap. So, 'yun ang inu-honor ko, yung naging agreement," he said.
Senator Francis Tolentino sa kanyang pagresign: Hindi naman talaga resignation kasi may agreement na the end of the year, 1 and a half years, bababa ako kasi 'yon ang kasunduan sa Commission on Appointments. #DamdamingBayan#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 20, 2023
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The Senator said his successor as Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman would be appointed this January 2024, when the Senate resumes its sessions.
He expressed readiness to extend his assistance to the Senate Committees.
"Nakahanda tayong tumulong sa Blue Ribbon at sa lahat ng committee ng Senado. Ako ay tutok ngayon sa Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones," Tolentino said.
The Senator first confirmed his resignation in a press briefing in the Senate on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
"In fulfillment of a sacred commitment to serve as Blue Ribbon Committee chairman and member of the Commission on Appointments for a concise term of one and a half years. I find it both a duty and an honor to uphold the essence of a prior agreement. This decision is rooted in a deep-seated belief that public office demands fidelity to pledges made," he said.
Tolentino noted that he would remain in position while his successor was not appointed yet.
"Hangga't wala pang kahalili, nandoon pa ako. I will endevour for a seamless transition, and to assist whoever will be the replacement for both seats," he said.
Under Tolentino's chairmanship, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee opened investigations into Department of Education's controversial overprized laptop deal, the sugar 300,000 metric tons importation fiasco, and the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.
