The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges plans to start vetting six complaints filed against sitting senators, with procedures set for publication before action begins.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges has scheduled a reconvening on March 18 to commence the evaluation of six complaints lodged against incumbent senators. This announcement was made by Senator JV Ejercito on March 4. Earlier that day, the committee held a closed-door meeting to adopt procedural rules that will govern the handling of the complaints, ensuring proper process and transparency.
Present at the executive session were Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Imee Marcos, Kiko Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, and Rodante Marcoleta, with Senator Ejercito presiding. The committee cannot act on the complaints until the rules have been officially adopted and published.
Following adoption, the procedural rules will be published and distributed to committee members to allow advanced review. The finalized rules are expected to be circulated by March 5, with publication occurring within 24 hours thereafter.
On March 18, the committee will assess whether each complaint meets the required form and substance according to the new rules. If a complaint is compliant, a copy will be forwarded to the respondent senator within five days. A preliminary inquiry will then determine if substantial credible evidence exists. If such evidence is found, the committee will vote on appropriate actions, possibly leading to an adjudicatory hearing; if not, the complaint will be dismissed.
Senator Ejercito noted this is unprecedented, as the committee has not faced this many complaints against senators before. The six complaints include one filed against himself for alleged neglect of constitutional duty, relating to a delayed inquiry into a complaint against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero concerning a campaign donation.
Ejercito has pledged to inhibit himself from proceedings related to his complaint, and other senators with complaints are expected to do the same. Other senators facing complaints include Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Risa Hontiveros.
This structured process aims to uphold ethical standards within the Senate through transparent and fair investigation of complaints.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/978741/senate-ethics-panel-to-begin-action-on-complaints-vs-senators-on-march-18/story/
