Tolentino tells next Senate blue ribbon chair to recognize the panel’s power

TOLENTINO DEFENDS SUGAR COMMITTEE REPORT: Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino, chairperson of Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and sponsor of Committee Report No. 3 on the fiasco behind Sugar Order No. 4, continues to reply to the questions of Sen. Risa Hontiveros Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Responding to her queries on the contents of the report, Tolentino maintained the investigation was confined to the preliminaries concerning the drafting of the order over the personalities involved. While admitting that smuggling would be a collateral matter, Tolentino said the committee “never focused on the smuggling side to such a point that we never attempted to go after the smugglers, the hoarders, and the records of the Bureau of Customs.” Had the committee tackled smuggling, Tolentino said the investigation would still be going on. (File photo from Bibo Nueva Espana/ Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino earlier confirmed he is leaving his post as the chairperson of Senate blue ribbon committee.

Now, he has a message to his successor: Implement what needs to be done [and] recognize the authority of the blue ribbon panel or Senate committee on accountability of public officers and investigations.

Tolentino gave his message in a press conference on Tuesday.

“So, siguro ipatupad ‘yung dapat gawin. Laging kilalanin ‘yung pangingibabaw ng blue ribbon,” the senator told reporters when he was asked to give his message to the next committee chair.

(So, maybe implement what needs to be done. Always recognize the authority of the blue ribbon.)

Tolentino said among the issues his panel investigated during his term include the controversy on sugar importation and a questionable laptop deal, which, according to him, involved the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President.

“So, siguro yung susunod na blue ribbon, iayos lahat nung sa pagpapatupad ng pagbabalangkas ng batas… E siguro, kahit siguro sino ang banggain,” he added.

(So, the next blue ribbon, fix everything in the implementation of the drafting of the law. Maybe go after anyone whoever must be [investigated].)

Aside from resigning from his post as the chair of the blue ribbon panel, Tolentino also stepped down as member of Commission on Appointments.

He said these actions are part of his commitment to be in the roster of these committees for only one and a half year.