Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, known by his campaign moniker “The Good One,” is chairman of the committee on ethics and privileges at a time when corruption allegations hound some of his colleagues over failed flood control projects.

Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri announced Ejercito’s election during the plenary session on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is vice chairperson, while Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros and Senator Erwin Tulfo are additional members from the majority bloc.
The committee has seven members, including two from the minority bloc.
The chairmanship comes two months after the opening of the first regular session of the 20th Congress and follows weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions on who would lead the panel.

Senators Joel Villanueva and Robin Padilla were previously considered for the post but are now part of the minority bloc after backing Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who was ousted and replaced by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.

According to the Senate website, the committee handles “all matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity and reputation of the Senate and its members.”

The committee may get the spotlight as at least three senators – Escudero, Villanueva, and Ejercito’s half-brother, Jinggoy Estrada – are under investigation for allegedly receiving kickbacks from flood control projects. All three have denied the accusations.