Senate President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri on Wednesday, Dec. 20, said he accepted with "utmost respect and understanding" the resignation of Senator Francis 'Tol' Tolentino from the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and the Commission on Appointments (CA).
"As much as we regret the decision of Sen. Francis Tolentino to step down as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, we accept this with utmost respect and understanding," he said in a statement sent to the media.
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Tolentino confirmed in a press briefing that he tendered his resignation as Blue Ribbon Committee chairman and CA member.
The Senate President commended his fellow Senator's "efficient" and "productive" leadership.
"[A]nd under his capable hands, the panel has effectively exercised its power and mandate to investigate in aid of legislation matters involving the accountability of public officers," Zubiri added.
He said that he and other Senators would hold "exhaustive consultations" into the appointment of the next Blue Ribbon Committee chair.
"Sen. Tolentino has left big shoes to fill, but I am sure we can find a suitable replacement in our rolls of brilliant lawyers in the chamber," the Senate President said.
Tolentino earlier told DZRH that his resignation was part of the prior agreement with the Senate leadership that he chose to honor.
"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.
The Senator vowed that there would be a "seamless transition" in Senate Blue Ribbon Committee leadership.
