Bato Dela Rosa, Joel Villanueva out of Senate ethics panel

Two other members of the minority bloc will replace Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Joel Villanueva on Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, it was revealed at the Senate plenary session. 

During the session, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri moved to elect Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta in replacement of Dela Rosa and Villanueva, respectively. 

“They’ll replace the members because of the conflict of interest concerning the two members for their, I think they have cases, Mr. President,” Zubiri said.

The motion was approved by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III without any objection from their colleagues.

Dela Rosa has been absent from Senate proceedings ever since Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla alleged that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against the senator over his role in the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs, while Villanueva is facing complaints filed against him over alleged ghost flood control projects.

On Monday, the Senate completed the composition of the Ethics Committee after electing additional members to the panel.

The committee is primarily tasked with handling matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity, and reputation of the Senate and its members. — BM, GMA Integrated News