Metro Manila, Philippines – The Senate committee on ethics and privileges is laying the groundwork for deliberations on six complaints against senators, with initial vetting targeted for March 18.
Senator JV Ejercito, chairman of the seven-member panel, said the committee approved the rules during an executive session on Wednesday, March 4.
Five days after the rules are published, copies of the complaints will be furnished to the senators concerned, Ejercito said. He added that those involved have already been informed of the nature of the allegations.
“I think this is the first time that the ethics committee had this [many] complaints against senators. Dati pa-isa-isa, dalawa, pero ngayon ho anim. And that includes the chair yours truly,” Ejercito said in a press conference after the meeting.
[Translation: I think this is the first time that the ethics committee has received this many complaints against senators. In the past, it was one or two. Now, there are six — and that includes the chair, yours truly.]
He said the panel also finalized rules on inhibition to address potential conflicts of interest.
The next committee meeting is so far scheduled for March 18, when members will begin the initial vetting of the cases.
“We will determine kung ano ‘yung according to rules, according to the form, kung ano ‘yung talagang magkakaroon ng grounds,” he said.
[Translation: We will determine, based on the rules and the required form, which complaints have sufficient grounds.]
If grounds are established, the committee will proceed with a preliminary investigation and give the senators concerned an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Ejercito said the committee will conduct executive or closed-door sessions for now, but has not decided whether to do public hearings if sufficient grounds are established.
He added that the panel agreed not to publicly disclose details of the complaints — including the names of the senators involved — unless there are sufficient grounds.
“It will be unfair kung mga frivolous ‘yung mga complaints or allegations tapos pagpipiyestahan na sila, pagpipiyestahan na kami,” he explained.
[Translation: It would be unfair if the complaints turn out to be frivolous and people feast on the allegations against them — or against us.]
Among the complaints that have been publicly reported are those against Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Ejercito, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and Risa Hontiveros.
The sixth complaint, filed against Dela Rosa last week, cites his months-long absence from Senate sessions amid discussions about a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.
Ejercito assured the public of a thorough and impartial review, noting that the committee is evenly composed of three members each from the majority and minority blocs.
“I don’t think the public has anything to worry about because representation is very equal,” he said.
Wednesday’s executive session was attended by majority members Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan and Erwin Tulfo, and minority senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta. Senator Bong Go, also a minority member, was absent.
Media members were allowed to take footage before the closed-door deliberations.
