Senate Committee Chairmanships Announced Early 2024
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has announced the remaining committee chairmanships, almost completing the list of panel heads for the 20th Congress. These updates mark a significant step toward organizing the chamber’s work for the year.
During a recent plenary session, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva revealed key chairmanships. Among them, Alan Peter Cayetano was named chair of the Banks committee, while Senator Lito Lapid will lead the Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement panel. Notably, the Science and Technology committee chairmanship shifted from Cayetano to Senator Bam Aquino.
Changes in Senate Committee Leadership
In addition to these appointments, Villanueva mentioned that he is being considered by his colleagues to chair the Senate Ethics Committee. Though honored by the nomination, he expressed some hesitation.
“I’d rather give it to someone else. But if that’s the consensus of the majority of my colleagues here in the Senate, I will gladly take it and take full responsibility of that particular committee,” Villanueva said in a separate interview.
He explained that traditionally, the Senate majority leader oversees the ethics panel. However, in recent years, the committee on accounts has been under the ethics committee’s jurisdiction, previously led by senators such as Lacson and Nancy Binay.
“So I said, it’s okay, whatever will be agreed upon, I am ready to step up if our colleagues ask for it,” Villanueva added.
Role of the Ethics Committee
The Senate Ethics Committee plays a vital role in maintaining the chamber’s integrity. It reviews and enforces rules of conduct to ensure all members and officers uphold high standards and avoid conflicts of interest.
With these announcements, the Senate moves closer to finalizing its leadership structure for the 20th Congress. This development promises more organized and effective legislative work ahead.
For more news and updates on Senate committee chairmanships, visit Filipinokami.com.
