MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday called on Senate majority lawmakers to exclude the minority bloc from any internal leadership tussles after reports emerged that Panfilo “Ping” Lacson may reassume the chairmanship of the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Cayetano pointed out that Lacson’s decision to step down as Blue Ribbon chair earlier this month did not stem from pressure from the minority, but from dissatisfaction within the majority bloc itself. He urged majority senators not to “rewrite history” by dragging the minority into the dispute.

Lacson, Senate President Pro Tempore and former chair of the Blue Ribbon panel, has indicated openness to returning to the role. Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed there is “a possibility” the committee chairmanship could revert to Lacson.

In a related statement, Sotto said he has “no fear of losing” his Senate presidency over Lacson’s potential comeback, even as Lacson warned the shift could trigger consequences for leadership in the chamber.

The Blue Ribbon panel, which conducts oversight investigations into alleged anomalies in government spending and infrastructure projects, has been under the spotlight after Lacson cited internal dissatisfaction over the direction of recent inquiries when he tendered his resignation.

As the leadership drama unfolds, the Senate’s majority-minority alignment remains closely watched. Analysts believe the outcome could affect not only committee assignments but the broader legislative agenda for the rest of the 20th Congress.