Tolentino's resignation from Senate panel accepted

SENATE President Juan Miguel «Migz» Zubiri on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Sen. Francis «Tol» Tolentino as chairman of the blue ribbon committee.

«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,» said Zubiri in a statement.

He said that Tolentino's leadership of the committee has been an efficient and productive one, and 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.

«We are certain that during the period covering the change of leadership in the committee, he will be most willing to help the panel in its transition,» Zubiri added.

Tolentino, in a press briefing on Tuesday, clarified that his resignation as chairman of the blue ribbon committee is an act honoring his agreement with the leadership that he would serve as head of the committee for one and a half years.

«I find it a duty and an honor to uphold the essence of a prior agreement,» Tolentino said.

Under Tolentino's headship, the blue ribbon committee had filed the following measures: Senate Bill (SB) 2272 seeking to amend the procurement law; SB 2273 requiring the participation of the office of the Solicitor General in contract negotiations; and a proposal to abolish the Department of Budget and Management's Procurement Service.

Meanwhile, Zubiri said that the choice of a new chairman of the committee will be the subject of exhaustive consultations with all the senators.

«Senator 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,» Zubiri said.