Senate Elects New Panel Heads to Lead Key Committees
In a significant move, the Senate has elected new panel heads, including an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, to lead critical committees. The Senate blue ribbon committee, known for investigating government wrongdoing, now has a new chairman. This change marks a fresh chapter in the Senate’s oversight responsibilities.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a newcomer and a lawyer, was elected Tuesday as the chairman of the blue ribbon committee, officially called the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations. He succeeds Senator Pia Cayetano, who previously held this influential position. Marcoleta’s election highlights the growing influence of the so-called Duter7 bloc, composed of Duterte allies including Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, and siblings Camille and Mark Villar.
New Leadership Across Senate Committees
Aside from chairing the blue ribbon committee, Marcoleta also secured the chairmanship of the Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. Another first-term senator, Camille Villar, now leads the Committee on Environment, a post once held by her mother, former Senator Cynthia Villar.
Senator Imee Marcos continues her leadership by heading the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Cooperatives, in addition to the Labor Committee, which was formerly chaired by Majority Leader Joel Villanueva. Meanwhile, Senator Robin Padilla maintains his role as chairman of the committees on Public Information and Mass Media, Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, and Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs.
Senator Christopher Go was reelected as chairman of the Health, Youth, and Sports Committees. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa remains at the helm of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs. Similarly, Senator Mark Villar keeps his chairmanship of the Public Works Committee.
Experienced Senators Retain Multiple Roles
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano continues to chair four committees: Accounts; Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education; Science and Technology; and Justice and Human Rights. These roles were previously managed by former Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is the new chairman of the Committee on Finance, while Senator Pia Cayetano now leads the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy.
Senator Francis Pangilinan took on the chairmanship of Agriculture, and Senator Bam Aquino leads the Basic Education Committee. Newcomer Senator Erwin Tulfo was assigned two committees: Games and Amusement, and Social Justice Welfare and Rural Development. His brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, continues as chairman of Public Services and Migrant Workers Committees.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and his half-brother, Senator JV Ejercito, retained their chairmanships of the National Defense and Local Government Committees, respectively. These assignments reflect the Senate’s blend of experience and fresh faces aimed at effective governance.
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