Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino Senate PRIB file photo / Joseph Vidal
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said he has yet to receive confirmation from Senator Francis Tolentino following reports of the latter’s resignation as the chair of the chamber’s blue ribbon committee.
“Wala pa.. wala siya eh. Nasa abroad siya,” Zubiri told reporters after he was prodded whether he had already received Tolentino’s resignation letter.
(Not yet. He’s not here. He’s abroad.)
READ: Senate blue ribbon panel a toss-up between Tolentino, Cayetano
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva likewise stated that he hasn’t seen Tolentino’s letter.
READ: Gordon: Blue ribbon panel chair must be independent
Asked who would replace Tolentino, Villanueva answered: “That is the decision of the body. I cannot make any decision.”
INQUIRER.net has sought Tolentino’s confirmation on the matter but he has yet to respond as of posting time.
The chairmanship of the blue ribbon committee was previously contested by Senator Tolentino and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Tolentino officially took the helm of the committee in 2022.