Press Release
November 24, 2008

Gordon assumes chairmanship of Senate Blue Ribbon committee

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today vowed to keep the Senate investigations into government irregularities with utmost transparency and responsibility as he formally assumed its chairmanship of the Upper Chamber's blue ribbon committee.

Gordon said the public can be assured that the Blue Ribbon Committee will maintain transparency and independence from influences of any party under his chairmanship.

"The Senate's vote of confidence to head an important committee humbled as it honored me," he said.

"As an independent senator, I freely embrace the trust and confidence to lead the august chamber in reinvigorating its collective commitment of restoring integrity and exacting accountability in public office," he added.

Pending before the committee are the investigations into the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, the Moscow fund mess involving retired generals of the Philippine National Police, the national broadband project, and the Quedancor swine scam.

On Tuesday, the committee will resume its investigation on the fertilizer scam with former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante and other regional directors expected to testify.

As new chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee, Gordon said he sees a great task ahead of him, especially with such issues which have already become controversial because of the large sum of money involved and the implication of many high profile public officials.

"The tasks ahead of us are indeed great. The war is long and arduous; the fight is neither easy nor popular. But many, as I have, have come prepared for the battle. We shall persist and prevail upon those who have grown complacent with the status quo; upon those who take advantage of the weaknesses of our democratic system," he said.

Since corruption in the government has been a primordial issue in the country today, Gordon also said he would be focused on uplifting the state of leadership of government officials by making them accountable for their actions.

"We shall exercise our oversight power with focus, decisiveness, caution, and most importantly, with transparency and responsibility. But make no mistake about it - the axe of the Senate's oversight arm will fall on whomever, wherever they may be," he said.

News Latest News Feed